Two approaches to improve fertility of subclinical mastitic dairy cows

Mastitis, particularly in its subclinical form, is a widely spread disease that reduces the fertility of lactating cows. A major cause of poor conception risk has been associated with delayed ovulation of a large subgroup of subclinical mastitic cows. This study examined 2 approaches to improve fertility in this subgroup. Subclinical mastitic cows were defined by somatic cell count elevated above a threshold of 150,000 cells/mL of milk determined in all monthly test day samples collected before AI. Uninfected (control) cows were defined by somatic cell count below threshold. In experiment 1, we examined a hormonal approach aimed to correct the timing of ovulation in mastitic cows in which it would otherwise be delayed. The probability of conception of mastitic and uninfected groups following Ovsynch (OVS) and timed AI versus AI following detected estrus (E) was examined (= 1,553 AI) and analyzed by a multivariable, logistic model statement using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. The OVS protocol significantly elevated the probability of conception of mastitic cows to a level similar to that of their uninfected counterparts. Actual mean conception risks for uninfected-E, subclinical-E, uninfected-OVS, and subclinical-OVS groups were 41.8, 26.4, 39.3, and 40.5%, respectively. The OVS protocol did not improve probability of conception in cows diagnosed with uterine disease postpartum. In experiment 2, a management approach aimed to better synchronize timing of ovulation with timing of AI in subclinical mastitic cows was examined. A second AI was added 24 h after the first (routine) AI, following detection of natural estrus. Probability of conception did not differ between subclinical mastitic cows inseminated once or twice. Lack of improvement in conception risk might be related to low preovulatory LH surge in mastitic cows, which is likely to induce not only delayed ovulation but also disruption of oocyte maturation. Thus the OVS protocol can improve fertility of subclinical mastitic cows, probably due to "corrected" timing of ovulation in cows in which it would otherwise be delayed.