The effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule on the incidence of retained fetal membranes, milk yield and reproductive responses in Holstein cows

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule on the incidence of retained fetal membranes (RFM), milk yield and conception rate at first service (CRFS). The study was conducted during May to August 2004 in a large dairy herd in Chihuahua, Mexico. Cows ( n  = 2025) from 20 to 30 d before expected parturition were randomly assigned to either a treatment or a control group. The treated group ( n  = 1010) received orally a capsule of monensin that released 335 mg/d for 95 d. Control cows (no capsule, n  = 1015) were randomly assigned and matched by parity. Outcome variables were the incidence of RFM, first three test day milk and CRFS. Monensin decreased the incidence of RFM by 3.9% only in multiparous cows. Therefore, multiparous cows treated with monensin were 0.78 times (95% C.I. = 0.71–0.86) as likely as control multiparous cows to develop RFM. Overall, milk yield was negatively affected by the RFM condition, but it was improved by monensin only in multiparous cows with RFM at test day 1. Conception rate at first service was depressed by 10.6% in multiparous cows with RFM. However, in RFM cows treated with monensin, CRFS improved to the level of treated cows without RFM.