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Using Intravaginal Probiotics to Lower the Incidence of Uterine Infections and Improve Reproductive Performance and Productivity of Dairy Cows in Dairy Farms in Alberta
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- Author / Creator
- Barahona Rosales, Eduardo
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Uterine infections are the number one reason for culling of cows in Canada and elsewhere because are associated with high incidence of infertility. Five hundred and twenty-six dairy cows (426 Holstein and 100 Jersey cows) from 4 dairy farms in Alberta (three farms had Holstein dairy cows and one farm had Jersey cows) were assigned into 3 experimental groups. In this study, we tested the effects of administrating a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the vaginal tract of dairy cows on uterine health, reproductive performance, clinical diseases as well as milk production and composition. Overall, the results showed that the incidence rate of uterine infections by infusion of probiotics was decreased by 29%. The incidence of uterine infections in Farm A, C, and D (Holstein breed herds) decreased by 19%, 36%, and 21%, respectively. Interestingly, in Farm B (an organically managed Jersey herd) the incidence rate of uterine infections decreased by 50%. There was a difference in the incidence of uterine infections with regards to parity. Control cows that were administered skim milk (TRT1) and saline (TRT2) had higher odds of developing uterine infections compared to cows administered with probiotics (TRT3). The probiotic cocktail is composed of Lactobacillus sakei and two strains of Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from vaginal mucus of healthy pregnant Holstein cows. Results also showed that probiotics infused intravaginally lowered concentrations of glucose and cholesterol in the serum of both primiparous and multiparous cows diagnosed with uterine infections compared to TRT1 and TRT2 cows at +1 and +4 wks after parturition. In conclusion, intravaginal infusion of probiotics improved overall health status and increased milk production in multiparous dairy cows and modulated serum concentrations of glucose and cholesterol after parturition in dairy cows affected by uterine infections
Implications: Around 45% of dairy cows are affected by metritis and 15% of the total number of cows registered with DHI Canada are culled because of reproductive issues totaling more than $100 million every year in Canada. A product such as intravaginal probiotics able to lower uterine infections might improve their overall health, productivity, and profitability of Canadian dairy industry. -
- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2018
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.