Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration following parturition on milk yield, postpartum disorders and reproductive parameters in lactating dairy cows

Abstract

In this study, effects of carprofen, as a long-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), administration to decrase pain following calving on changes in body weight (kg) between days 1-15, 15-30 and 1-30 postpartum, the first 150 days milk yield, postpartum diseases, milk electric conductivity scores, estrous activities based on pedometer and reproductive parameters were investigated in lactating cows. Physiologic saline (Control; n=50) or Carprofen (1.4 mg/kg; Rimadyl®, n=50) was administered subcutaneously within 12 hours following parturition. All cows were normally calved (eutocia). Vaginal discharge was visually examined on 25-32 days postpartum. Cows were artificially inseminated (AI) following Ovsynch protocol or estrus detected with pedometer. Incidences of retained foetal membranes, metritis, mastitis were not differed between groups. Occurence of pathological vaginal discharge was significantly (P 0.05) higher in Carprofen (%25.6