Bovine Normal and Abnormal Reproductive and Endocrine Functions during the Postpartum Period: A Review

The results of numerous studies on postpartum uterine involution, ovarian activity and endocrinological changes before, during and after normal and abnormal parturitions, have been reviewed in this article. Most studies have shown that abnormal parturition is the main factor which delays completion of uterine involution and occurrence of the first estrous cycle post partum. The reviewed reports also indicated that any interference (corticosteroid injection, overiectomy, etc.) with normal synchronized hormonal changes of parturition can increase the incidence of retained fetal membrane. Reports on the use of hormonal treatments and their effects on the elimination of bacterial infection, rate of uterine involution and the resumption of ovulation activity are conflicting. It is suggested that the use of natural substances such as lipopolysaccharide of E. coli, serum or hyperimmune serum, extracts of poly morphonuclear leucocytes and/or macrophage-granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor as treatments of postpartum uterine infection may play an important role in the completion of uterine involution and the commencement of estrous cycle .