Effects of GnRH, PGF₂α and Antibiotic Therapy on Postpartum Fertility in Dairy Cows with Retained Fetal Membranes

Ahmed Imbayah  Ashteebah; Mohammed A. Murshid; Tarak abu Al-kasem  Zahmoul; Muhammad Lawal

doi:10.64516/bq82qq06

Authors

Ahmed Imbayah Ashteebah Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, University of Zawia, Libya, Libya Author
Mohammed A. Murshid Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, University of Zawia, Libya, Libya Author
Tarak abu Al-kasem Zahmoul Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, University of Zawia, Libya, Libya Author
Muhammad Lawal Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocation and Technical Education, Federal College of Education Katsina, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64516/bq82qq06

Keywords:

Retained fetal membranes, dairy cows, GnRH, PGF₂α, intrauterine antibiotic therapy, progesterone, oestradiol-17β, cortisol, postpartum fertility

Abstract

Background: Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a common postpartum disorder in dairy cows and is associated with impaired reproductive performance, delayed uterine involution, and an increased risk of uterine infection. Hormonal imbalance during the postpartum period may contribute to the development of RFM and subsequent reproductive inefficiency. Understanding endocrine alterations and evaluating therapeutic interventions are important for improving fertility outcomes in affected cows. Objective: This controlled clinical study investigated the association between hormonal profiles and reproductive performance in dairy cows affected with retained fetal membranes and evaluated the effects of selected therapeutic protocols. Methods: A total of 88 Holstein cows were enrolled from a herd of 250 animals. Twenty-four cows that expelled fetal membranes within 24 hours postpartum served as healthy controls, while 64 cows diagnosed with RFM (>24 hours postpartum) were allocated into four treatment groups (n = 16 each): intrauterine antibiotic therapy administered 24 hours postpartum, intramuscular GnRH (5 mL) on day 12 postpartum, intramuscular PGF₂α (2 mL) between days 18 and 26 postpartum, or combined GnRH and PGF₂α treatment at the same time points. Hormonal and reproductive parameters were monitored and compared among groups. Results: Cows affected with RFM exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) progesterone and cortisol concentrations and significantly lower (P < 0.01) oestradiol-17β levels compared with controls. Treatment with either GnRH or PGF₂α alone significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the interval from calving to first insemination and to conception compared with other treated groups. The number of services per conception was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in cows receiving combined GnRH and PGF₂α therapy. Higher conception rates at first insemination and overall conception were also observed (P < 0.05) in cows treated with GnRH or PGF₂α alone relative to the remaining treatment groups. Conclusion: Cows with retained fetal membranes showed altered endocrine profiles associated with impaired reproductive performance. Therapeutic intervention with GnRH or PGF₂α was associated with improved reproductive cyclicity, while combined hormonal treatment reduced insemination frequency per conception.

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