Comparative Evaluation of Classic Treatment and Novel Intrauterine Infusion for Retained Placenta in Buffaloes: Impacts on Reproductive Performance and Economic Losses

TL;DR

This study compares a new intrauterine treatment with traditional methods for retained placenta in buffaloes, finding the new treatment improves recovery and reduces costs.

Contribution

The study introduces and validates an intrauterine infusion as a superior alternative to classic retained placenta management in buffaloes.

Findings

Puerperal-treated buffaloes showed faster uterine involution and reduced bacterial presence.

The treatment improved reproductive performance with shorter service periods and calving intervals.

Economic analysis showed lower costs due to improved fertility and reduced milk losses.

Abstract

This study compared an intrauterine infusion (Puerperal) treatment containing vitamins, kaolin, boric acid, and neomycin with the classic method for managing retained placenta in buffaloes. A total of 86 buffaloes from six Romanian farms were divided into two groups. The puerperal-treated group showed faster uterine involution, lower pathogenic bacterial presence, and improved reproductive performance, including shorter service periods and calving intervals. Histological analysis revealed reduced inflammation and better tissue regeneration. Economic evaluation indicated lower costs due to improved fertility and reduced milk yield losses. The findings suggest that intrauterine therapy is a more effective and economically beneficial alternative to classic retained placenta management in buffaloes.

Retained placenta is a significant reproductive disorder in buffaloes, leading to delayed uterine involution, increased postpartum infections, and economic losses due to extended calving intervals and reduced fertility. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an intrauterine puerperal treatment containing vitamins, kaolin, boric acid, and neomycin with the classic method of manual extraction followed by oxytetracycline pessaries. A total of 86 buffaloes from six commercial farms in Romania were randomly assigned to either the puerperal treatment group or the classic treatment group. Uterine involution was assessed through ultrasonography and transrectal palpation, while microbial flora and histological evaluations were performed to determine uterine health. The results indicated that the puerperal-treated group exhibited significantly faster uterine recovery, a lower prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, and improved reproductive parameters, including shorter service period and calving interval. Histopathological findings showed reduced inflammation and enhanced endometrial regeneration in the treatment group. Economic analysis revealed that the improved fertility outcomes led to cost reductions associated with extended non-productive days, repeated inseminations, and milk yield losses. These findings support the use of intrauterine therapy as a superior alternative to conventional management, contributing to enhanced reproductive efficiency and economic sustainability in buffalo farming.

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