Evaluation of Serum Biochemistry, Milk SCC, CVM Characteristics and Fertility in Cows with or without Clinical Endometritis at 30 DIM

The study was conducted to assess the post-partum uterine health with the help of VMS and to determine the serum biochemical milieu, milk somatic cell count (SCC), physico-chemical characteristics of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) and subsequent fertility in cows with or without clinical endometritis at thirty days in milk (DIM). Cows were evaluated for clinical endometritis at 30 DIM using vaginal mucus scoring. A total of 24 cows, with VMS ‘0’ (n=8) or VMS >1 (n=16) were considered for the study. Cows with VMS>1 had significantly (p<0.05) lower total protein, globulin and phosphorus concentration and higher serum total sialic acid (p<0.05) and milk somatic cell counts at 30 DIM than VMS ‘0’ cows. Colour reaction of CVM to white side test (WST) at first post-partum estrus recorded 37.5 percent VMS ‘0’ and 75 percent VMS>1 cows to be endometritic. A pH of >8.0 was recorded in CVM of 50 percent VMS=1 cows. Lesser days to 1st service with shorter service period and CCI were observed in VMS ‘0’ than VMS >1 cows. FSCR of 42.86 percent in VMS=0 and 37.5 percent in VMS >1 cows was observed although the difference was non-significant; however, the overall conception rate was similar. Results indicated that vaginal mucus scoring at 30 DIM is a good indicator of uterine health at 30 DIM but there is a possibility that cows without clinical endometritis (VMS ‘0’) at 30 DIM may also develop sub-clinical/clinical endometritis at a later date leading to decreased fertility which may be comparable to cows with clinical endometritis (VMS >1) at 30 DIM.