Inflammatory status and its relationships with different patterns of postpartum luteal activity and reproductive performance in early lactating Holstein cows

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of inflammatory status on different patterns of postpartum luteal activity and reproductive performance of Holstein cows during early lactation. The cows (n = 75) averaged 3.4 ± 1.2 (mean ± SEM) in parity and 3.1 ± 0.2 (mean ± SEM) in body condition score at calving. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed twice weekly from day 10-60 postpartum to consider ovarian dynamics. Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were measured twice weekly and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and lipopolysacchride binding protein (LBP) were measured weekly (week 3-6 postpartum). Based on plasma P4 and E2 results, 34 (45.3%) cows had normal luteal activity (NLA), whereas 19 (25.3%), 12 (16.0%), 7 (9.3%) and 3 (4.0%) cows had prolonged luteal phase (PLP), delayed first ovulation (DO), anovulation (AO) and short luteal phase (SLP), respectively. Plasma TNF-α and LBP concentrations were affected by postpartum luteal activity (NLA, SLP and PLP), ovulatory status (DO and AO) and number of weeks postpartum (P < .05). These concentrations were greater in cows with PLP (P < .05) as compared to NLA cows, and in cows that had delayed ovulation or anovulation compared to ovulated cows (P < .05). Cows with PLP had greater open days and lower conception rate as compared to NLA cows (P < .05). Healthy cows had a larger CL and greater plasma estradiol and progesterone concentrations at first and second cycle postpartum compared to inflamed cows and followed it with greater fertility (P < .05). In conclusion, inflammatory statuses were different in high-producing dairy cows showing PLP, AO and DO in comparison with the postpartum normal luteal activity (NLA) cows that influenced reproduction outcomes.