Experimental models for subclinical hypocalcemia and endometritis induction in cattle: a literature review

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Serum calcium fluctuations are common during the peripartum period of dairy cattle and several studies have attempted to demonstrate the impact of decreased blood calcium (Ca) on subclinical endometritis; however, the highly dynamic and complex nature of the peripartum period in dairy cows may impair the establishment of the cause-and-effect relationship. The objective of this review is to compile information regarding hypocalcemia and subclinical endometritis and their relationship, as well as the available in vivo and in vitro study models that artificially induce subclinical states of hypocalcemia and endometritis in cows that are not in peripartum period. Regarding hypocalcemia, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of protocols using Ca chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) in vivo. The induced transitory hypocalcemia impaired feed intake, rumination and neutrophilic phagocytic and oxidative burst response. However, the effects on uterine environment remain poorly explored. Although these experimental models allow the understanding of the effects of hypocalcemia alone, without the peripartum metabolic and hormonal variations, the effects are likely underestimated because dairy cows may experience hypocalcemia for much longer periods. For studying bovine endometritis, the main experimenta

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.