Evaluation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in cervical sample as a diagnostic technique for detection of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the cervical sampling as an easy and safe method for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle. Methods One hundred ninety seven lactating Holstein cows were examined at 26–32 d in milk (DIM) for diagnosis of endometritis. Differential cellular counts were also made from stained smears of the cervical mucosa. Using the Receiver/Response Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve, presence of >17.5% polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells was calculated for detection of subclinical endometritis with sensitivity and specificity of 56.5% and 83.3% respectively. Results Cows with subclinical endometritis had significantly more open days and all service conception rate than normal cows. The results of survival analysis showed that normal cows became pregnant at a significantly faster rate than cows with subclinical endometritis. Conclusions The results of the present study introduced the cervical smear sampling as an easy and suitable method for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle.