Evaluation of the best time for manual removal of retained fetal membranes in the cow

Subject Areas : Veterinary Clinical Pathology

حسین Hamali ¹ , حمید Karimi ²

1 - Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 - Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

Received: 2007-06-30 Accepted : 2007-11-11 Published : 2007-11-22

Keywords: Cow, retained placenta, Manual removal,

Abstract :

     The syndrome of retained fetal membranes (RFM) is an important problem in dairy cattle industry in Iran and most other countries. However, the syndrome has not been defined precisely nor specific recommendations have been suggested for its management. Most scientists believe that if the fetal membranes are not expelled spontaneously within 12 hours after parturition, the term RFM could be used. To determine the best time for manual removed of fetal membranes, a total of 200 cows affected by this syndrome were identified in the farms of Tabriz area and randomly allocated into four groups of 50 animals each (A, B, C and D). In groups A, B and C the fetal membranes were removed manually at days 6, 7 and 8 postpartum respectively. Complete or incomplete removal of fetal membranes was recorded in each animal. In group D, the membranes were not removed manually and allowed to be expelled spontaneously without any external intervention. The results indicated that meanplacental expulsioningroup D was10.8 days. In group A, the fetal membranes of 26 cows (52%) were removed completely while those of 24 cows (49%) were incompletely removed. These figures for group B were 38 cows (76%) and 12 cows (24%) respectively. The fetal membranes of all animals in group C were completely removed manually.  Based on chi square test, significant statistical difference was observed between all experimental groups (P<0.05). The results of this study indicated that the 8th postpartum day is the best time for manual removed of fetal membranes in cows affected by this syndrome and manual removal before this time can be very dangerous due to incomplete removal and risk of septicemia. These conclusions are confirmed by histologic characteristics and anatomic changes of the fetal membranes and uterus.    

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