Summary: | The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metabolic diseases on uterine involution and reproductive performance during the postpartum period. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 50) were divided into four groups based on whether they were healthy (n = 14), or had lipomobilization (n = 14), hypocalcemia (n = 11), and hyperketonemia (n = 11). Transrectal palpation and transrectal B-Mode sonography were carried out on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45 and 60 after parturition. Cows with metabolic disease had a greater (p < 0.05) uterine size as assessed transrectally compared with cows without metabolic disease. Sonographic measurements revealed a greater (p < 0.05) horn diameter and endometrial thickness in cows of the metabolic disease groups than in the healthy cows. Metabolic disease affected (p < 0.05) the milk yield, percentage of service per pregnancy, days to first ovulation and days open. In conclusion, metabolic disease affected the uterine involution and fertility during the postpartum period.
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