Detection of a corpus luteum in apparently anoestrous cows by manual palpation, transrectal ultrasonography and plasma progesterone concentration

Abstract

Aims. To determine the level of agreement between transrectal ultrasonography, manual palpation and measurement of progesterone in the detection of corpora lutea in post-partum cows. To evaluate the reproductive performance of cows not detected in oestrus prior to mating, but detected with a corpus luteum at the start of mating.

Methods. Cows from seven herds which were not detected in oestrus were examined between 5 and 7 days before the herd’s planned start of mating. Ovaries were examined by palpation and ultrasonography in 160 cows and plasma progesterone concentrations were also measured in 103 cows. Insemination dates and pregnancy data were recorded in 159 cows not detected in oestrus but having a corpus luteum and 1405 cycling herd mates.

Results. The level of agreement between ultrasonography and measurement of progesterone (kappa = 0.74) was higher than with manual palpation (kappa = 0.67) although it was significant for both techniques (p < 0.001). Cows which were not detected in oestrus, but detected with a corpus luteum had a longer interval to first service (12 v. 10 days, p < 0.05) and conception (19 v. 15 days, p = 0.01) than cycling herd mates and had a higher empty rate (9.7% v. 3.8%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions. These data indicate that ultrasonography may provide a better diagnostic tool for examining cows not detected in oestrus than manual palpation or measurement of progesterone concentration. Cows not detected in oestrus but having a corpus luteum were shown to have significantly poorer reproductive performance than cycling herd mates.

Key words:

• Post-partum dairy cows
• ultrasound examination
• reproductive performance