The present study envisages the effect of PGF₂α and antibiotic treatment on ovarian cyclic activity and regression of corpus luteum verum in post-partum dairy cows. Cows were divided into three treatment (PG8, PG25, antibiotic) and a control group. Ovarian activity was studied by examining follicular dynamics upto 42 days post-partum in which diameter of dominant follicle before first ovulation, the number of days to first ovulation and complete regression of corpus luteum verum were evaluated. Body condition score was recorded for all the cows in different groups. Also, ovulation on ovary ipsilateral or contralateral to previous gravid uterine horn was noted. On transrectal ultrasonography at a 3-day interval, dominant follicle diameter prior to ovulation was significantly higher (p<0.01) in PG8 group. The mean time required for complete regression of CL verum was not significantly (p>0.05) lower in PG8 group i.e. 24.33±1.48 days in comparison to PG25, antibiotic and control group (26.67±1.48, 29.00±1.81and 27.60±1.40 days post-partum, respectively). A subsequent ovarian activity was affected as 70.83 and 66.33% Iˢᵗ and IIⁿᵈ ovulations occurred on the ovary contralateral to corpus luteum verum. In conclusion, contralateral ovary was more active in terms of ovulation whereas presence of corpus luteum verum had no effect on post-partum ovarian cyclic activity.

The aim of the research was to find out an appropriate method of treatment of retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows for conditions of Latvia. Three protocols for the treatment of retained fetal membranes in dairy cows were evaluated in a field trial. Cows that retained the fetal membranes for more than 24 hours were assigned to three treatment groups. Group 1 – control group; group 2 – cows with RFM, which were removed manually, and cows were intrauterine treated with antibiotics; group 3 – cows with RFM, which were not removed, and cows were intrauterine treated with antibiotics, and group 4 – cows with RFM, which were not removed, and cows were not treated. In animals with a decreased feed consumption or milk production, body temperature above 39.5 °C, systemic therapy was applied with ceftiofur hydrochloride or procaine benzilpenicillin. In order to establish subclinical endometritis, all cows were histologically examined on the 42ⁿᵈ day postpartum (PP). Subclinical mastitis was diagnosed both in cows with RFM and control group cows. Results indicated that better reproductive results were in cows of group 2 and group 4. Actually, results indicated that treatment of RFM without intrauterine manipulation and parenteral treatment could be as effective as conventional treatment including RFM detachment and local antibiotic treatment.

The aim of the study was to investigate the beef and dairy cow parasitosis epizootic situation in Vidzeme region. Research was done throughout Vidzeme territory during the period of the years 2013-2014. The total number of animals examined was: 273 dairy and 90 young beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and 248 dairy and 29 beef cows older than two years. For the diagnosis of helminthes standardized ovoscopic and larvoscopic methods were used. For the diagnosis of protozoa flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods were used. The main species in the samples were Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Strongylus spp. In the young dairy and beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and cattle older than two years Cryptosporidium spp. invasion accordingly was 32.6% and 19% (dairy cattle) and 62.2% and 65.5% (beef cattle); the invasion of Eimeria spp. 30% and 7.3% (dairy cattle) and 55.6% and 10.3% (beef cattle); and the invasion of Strongylus spp. was 17.6% and 13.7% (dairy cattle) and 43.3% and 27.6% (beef cattle). Both dairy and beef cattle were infected with Moniezia spp., Paramphistomum spp., Strongyloides spp. Dairy cows aged from 6 months to two years had Trichuris spp., Dictyocaulus spp. and Neoscaris spp. invasion.