Metritis is a common fresh cow disease that strikes early lactation females, usually within the first 10 days after calving. Incidence rates of metritis and subclinical endometritis range from 10% to 30% in herds.1 Even more worrisome, this reproductive challenge can be hard to prevent and difficult to properly treat. And when left untreated, it can be extremely costly to your dairy and overall cow health.
Metritis has real economic consequences. Each case can cost between $304 and $354, represented by the following costs:2
- Culling within the first 60 days in milk: $71
- Milk production reduction: $77
- Fertility and reproductive performance problems: $98
- Treatment and associated milk withdrawal: $58 to $108
Along with reducing profitability, metritis decreases performance in many ways.
- Risk of culling increases by 5.3% during the first 60 days of lactation2
- Depression in fertility, an increase of 18 days open2
- Reduced milk production, an average of 4.9 pounds per day less milk production in the first 120 days post-calving3
With proper management, these costly consequences can be minimized. An effective management plan includes:
- Good nutrition
- Careful monitoring
- Proper diagnosis
- Early intervention
- Effective treatment
To develop a plan to minimize the effects of Metritis on your dairy and for an effective treatment,, work with your veterinarian to establish an on-label treatment regimen as early as possible. EXCEDE® (cefiofur crystalline free acid) Sterile Suspension or EXCENEL® RTU EZ (ceftiofur hydrochloride) Sterile Suspension are the only on-label treatments for metritis backed by the Residue Free Guarantee.* Closely monitoring cows for early symptoms and diagnosis of metritis are keys to any fresh cow program. Finally, completing a full antibiotic treatment as recommended by your veterinarian, even if the cow looks healthier, is important to ensure full recovery and minimize risk of relapse.
Source: dairywellness.com
