Some Hormonal and Biochemical Blood Indices in Cows with Retained Placenta and Puerperal Metritis

The comparison of some hormonal and biochemical blood indices in healthy cows (C) and cows affected with retained foetal membranes (RFM) or puerperal metritis (PM) was the aim of the study. Blood samples were taken between 12 and 24 h (RFM) or 8-10 d (PM) after calving. The progesterone, 17-β oestradiol, cholesterol, glucose, ketone bodies (KB) and free fatty acids (FFA) levels were similar in all the cows examined. Cows with RFM had higher level (P < 0.05) of cortisol (37.4 nmol/l) between 12 and 24 h after calving than control animals (24.2 nmol/l). The progesterone level was higher (P < 0.05) in cows with RFM (2.61 mmol/l) versus control group (1.59 mmol/l). The cortisol concentration did not show a statistical differences between PM and C animals. These data indicate that the cholesterol, KB and FFA levels can be similar after calving in healthy and RFM or PM cows in the same farm. Cows with RFM can show a higher cortisol level immediately after calving. The progesterone level decreases slower after parturition in RFM cows in comparison to healthy ones.