Incidence of some diseases in connection with parturition in dairy cows

The incidence of dystocia, uterine, prolapse, retained placenta, puerperal metritis and vaginal prolapse was investigated in 283 herds over a period of eight years (about 2,590 cows per year). The incidence of dystocia (0.012 cases per cow and year), of uterine prolapse (0.002) and puerperal metritis (0.002) varied with the monthly variation in parturition. Retained placenta (incidence 0.025) occurred more frequently in March-June relative to parturition. The cows then calving were older than average. Vaginal prolapse (incidence 0.002) was also commoner in the spring months. Herds with a high incidence of retained placenta also showed more mastitis, ketosis and parturient paresis.