Aim of study: To evaluate tubal patency in repeat breeder Holstein cows with the purpose of estimating the frequency of oviduct obstruction as a cause of the repeat breeding syndrome.Area of study: Lugo (NW Spain) Material and methods: In 50 repeat breeding cows, a solution of the dye phenol-sulphon-phthalein (PSP) was instilled into one uterine horn with the aid of a balloon catheter.Urine was collected 15, 25 and 45 min post-PSP infusion.Urine of a reddish color was used as indicator of tubal patency, as Clearance/Marker and S/T/T the PSP had passed across the oviduct into the abdominal cavity and was eliminated in urine.
The other oviduct was evaluated on a different day.Main results: Of the 50 cows tested, 44% had some degree of oviduct obstruction: 4% had bilateral oviduct occlusion, 20% unilateral oviduct occlusion, 16% bilateral oviduct stenosis and 4% unilateral oviduct stenosis.No significant relationship could be established between tubal impermeability and postpartum reproductive or metabolic diseases.Research highlights: Tubal stenosis or occlusions were frequent and they are likely to contribute to the repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows; thus, tubal patency should be routinely evaluated in repeat breeders.
The PSP test Frame Light is easy to perform, well tolerated by animals, and allows evaluating both oviducts separately.