Pregnancy-specific protein B (bPSPB) and progesterone monitoring of post-partum dairy cows with placental retention.

The relationship between placental retention, progesterone and pregnancy-specific protein B (bPSPB) was determined in 60 calving Holstein cows. The cows were divided into two groups with placental retention (WPR, n=16) and no placental retention (NPR, n=44). Every 4 days, until 60 days post-partum, blood samples were taken and the uteri were checked using ultrasonography. The puerperal characteristics of NPR and WPR were as follows: mean days of abnormal vaginal discharge: 20.2 ± 5 versus 35.6 ± 7 (P   0.05). The mean intervals to first ovulation were 21.5 ± 8.4 versus 35 ± 19 days (P   0.05). In conclusion, it was found that placental retention was associated with a higher rate of endometritis, a lower number of cycles, longer interval to first post-partum ovulation and higher concentration of bPSPB at calving and during the post-partum period. The positive relationship between bPSPB concentrations and calf birth weight and their association with post-partum pathological events may be useful in monitoring animals presenting high concentrations at calving.