Diagnosis and Treatment of Post Partum Uterine Abnormalities in the Cow

The successful genetic selection for higher milk production caused a dramatic decline in the reproductive performance of dairy cows all over the world during the last decades. Achievement of optimum herd reproductive performance (calving interval of 12 or 13 months with the first calf born at 24 months of age) requires concentrated management activities especially during the first 100 days following calving. The following management activities are needed to pursue during the early postpartum period to reach or approach the optimal reproductive performance such as careful surveillance and assistance at calving, prevention of post parturient diseases, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum uterine abnormalities, accurate detection of oestrus, correct timing of insemination, reducing the effect of heat stress and early pregnancy diagnosis. Among these main activities only early diagnosis and treatment of post partum uterine abnormalities and their effects on milk production and reproductive performance are discussed.