**2. Prediction of the onset of calving in dairy cows**

One of the essential reproductive management goals is to reduce the number of calving assistances, which may negatively affect the acid-base balance of newborn calves and thus increase the number of stillbirths [9–11] and may subsequently affect the reproductive performance of the dam [12, 13]. Therefore, we must decrease the prevalence of neonatal asphyxia at calving, since instruments suitable for the reliable clearing of respiratory passages and artificial respiration of newborn calves are not yet widely available under farm conditions [14, 15].

In the case of dystocia, we must select the mode and time of calving assistance according to the profitability factors. Before applying traction, we must evaluate the soft birth canal, and it must be expanded nonsurgically or surgically (episiotomy lateralis). With using obstetric lubricants, we must avoid traction of longer than 2–3 min [16] and rib or vertebral fractures due to excessive traction [17, 18]. If prolonged traction is expected, we should perform a Cesarean section to save the calf and prevent maternal birth canal injuries. Previous studies have shown that before selecting the mode of calving assistance (traction or Cesarean section), it would also be essential to measure the acid-base balance of the fetus to be born [19–21]. The routine treatment of newborn calves with severe asphyxia may reduce postnatal calf losses [14, 15]. However, particular attention to the ingestion of sufficient qualities and quantities of colostrum must also be paid [22, 23], since an increased susceptibility accompanies poor colostrum uptake to *Escherichia coli* infections [24, 25].

While it is not possible to eliminate dystocia, adequate management of heifers during the development (adequate feeding, selection of a sire with a negative expected progeny difference for birth weight, or using sexed semen for AI) and close observation of calving heifers and cows are crucial for reducing the prevalence of stillbirth [14]. Since the behavioral signs of calving in some cases are not expressed, it is not easy to recognize the onset of calving, especially on large dairy farms. Inserting a vaginal thermometer into the vagina (e.g., Vel'Phone®) may help decrease the prevalence of stillbirth by sending an alarm about the imminent start of the second stage of labor with the rupture of the allantochorionic sac [26].

In our recent experiment, 241 single calvings were monitored using a vaginal thermometer (Vel'Phone®), which was inserted into the vagina by a vaginal

*Importance of Monitoring the Peripartal Period to Increase Reproductive Performance in Dairy… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105988*

applicator about 5 days before expecting to calve. The stillbirth rate was 1.7% for heifer and 0.5% for cow calvings, respectively [26]. Similar results were reported by others [27]. Imminent calving can be predicted without false alarms (**Figure** 1) [28], and in this way, it can minimize the time spent on standby by the workers [29].

At the same time, it is essential to mention that in contrast to direct indicators (vaginal thermometers), calving predictors such as Ruminact® HR-tag or Moocall® calving sensor cannot inform about the exact time of calving; however, they can help optimize worker efficiency [29]. It is also essential to avoid birth injuries and infection of the reproductive tract, which may more likely develop in cows with inappropriately timed obstetrical assistance (less than 50 min after amniotic sac appearance) and dystocia [30]. Namely, premature obstetrical assistance may lead to a high prevalence of dystocia, impairs postpartum health of the dam, and poses a potential risk to calf survival [30]. At the same time, Villettaz Robichaud et al. [31] reported that systematic early obstetrical assistance at calving (15 min after the first sight of the calf 's two front hooves) that does not present signs of calving difficulties did not adversely affect calves' likelihood of being stillborn, vigor at birth, or transfer of passive immunity. It is essential to mention that obstetrical lubricant was applied liberally to the cow's vagina before performing the exam and providing assistance. Pumping copious amounts of sterile obstetrical lubricant around the fetus before each assisted delivery seems that the target prevalence of stillbirth (1–3%; [32]) can also be approached in the field [33].

### **3. Early diagnosis of postparturient uterine diseases in dairy cow**

The aim of monitoring postparturient uterine diseases such as clinical metritis, clinical endometritis (pyometra), and subclinical endometritis (SCE) in a dairy farm is to diagnose [34–37] and treat them as soon as possible after calving to decrease their negative effects on pregnancy rates, open days, and culling rates, which may increase economic losses in dairy farms [38, 39].

Besides minimizing stress and careful sanitation during calving, cows having dystocia, stillbirth, retained fetal membranes (RFMs), metabolic disorders (hypocalcemia, ketosis), or twins are more likely to contract uterine infections than cows calving normally. Although retained fetal membrane (RFM) is not a disease per se

#### **Figure 1.**

*Accuracy of prediction of calving by an SMS message generated by using an intravaginal thermometer adapted from [28].*

[39], its early treatment is greatly recommended to decrease the risk for the development of different uterine diseases.

Clinical metritis and endometritis should be diagnosed and treated as early and as intensively as possible to shorten the conception interval. Recently, new cow programs have been developed based on monitoring cow temperatures each morning for the first 10 (first 13 [40] or 14 [41]) days after calving, thus allowing for early treatment [42]. Monitoring milk production (calving milk deviation of more than 12%) or failure to increase milk yield by at least 4% (primiparous) or 7% (multiparous) per day in the first 20 days after calving [39], rumination time [43–45], cow activity [46, 47] and/or body temperature measured by ear tag, neck collar, vaginal-mounted type biosensors [48], or ventral tail base surface temperature sensors [49] may contribute to the early diagnosis of clinical metritis in the field.

Clinical endometritis can be diagnosed by transrectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography, manual vaginal examination, vaginoscopy, and/or Metricheck® from Day 21 after calving. In the absence of a gold standard, it seems that vaginoscopy or Metricheck® is preferred as a cow-side diagnostic tool for diagnosing clinical endometritis in the field. Subclinical endometritis (SCE) is defined as an inflammation of the uterine endometrium that can be detected by histology (biopsy) or cytology (samples collected by uterine lavage, cytobrush, or cytotape techniques) in the absence of purulent material in the vagina [37, 50–52].

Routine treatment of clinical metritis with intrauterine antimicrobial agents (oxytetracycline; ampicillin; and cloxacillin), antiseptic chemicals (iodine solutions: 2% Lugol's iodine immediately after calving and again 6 h later as a preventive measure), systemic antibiotics (penicillin or one of its synthetic analogs; ceftiofur/third-generation cephalosporin/for 3–5 days; a single dose of ceftiofur s.c. in the base of the ear within 24 h after abnormal calving), intrauterine ozone treatment [53], supportive therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) such as flunixin meglumine, fluid therapy in case of dehydration, therapy with calcium and energy supplements in case of depressed appetite, and/ or hormone therapy (oxytocin, PGF2α, or its synthetic analogs) are very variable [52]. According to our present knowledge, since intrauterine antibiotics and antiseptics may irritate the endometrium, it is not recommended. Routine use of prostaglandins is also controversial and requires further confirmation. Presently, systemic antibiotics (ceftiofur) and supportive therapy can be recommended for dairy farms [54, 55].

Cows with clinical endometritis having a palpable CL, treated by intrauterine infusion of cephapirin or PGF2α, had no significant difference in time to pregnancy [56]. However, higher pregnancy rates were detected in the treated groups than in untreated cows. Several reports have suggested that PGF2α treatment for clinical endometritis is at least as effective as any other alternative therapies with Lugol, polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, meta-cresol sulfuric acid, Lotagen, dextrose [57], or N-acetylcysteine combined with amoxicillin and clavulanic [58] and presents a minimal risk of harm to the uterus or presence of residues in milk or meat [52]. The treatment efficacy of clinical endometritis without an active corpus luteum, solely with prostaglandin, is limited; however, according to Lewis [59], such a treatment may be advantageous by stimulating the self-defense mechanism. The presence of bacteria in the uterus can be accurately diagnosed using an on-farm bacteriological culture system (Tri-plate). This way, we can contribute to our antibiotic use to be as rational as possible on our dairy farm [60].

Treatment of subclinical endometritis with antibiotics and/or PGF2a or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been tried. However, controversial

*Importance of Monitoring the Peripartal Period to Increase Reproductive Performance in Dairy… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105988*

results were achieved; further examinations are required [51, 61]. Intrauterine lavage with 500–600 ml of sterile physiological saline (35–40°C) on Day 30 after calving or intrauterine infusion with 50 ml of boiling sterile water (~100°C; "Samia-treat; SAT") of repeat breeding cows may improve pregnancy rate; however, they require further large-scale confirmations [62, 63].
