Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) systems have been effective in evaluating fertility of heifers. A similar RTS system has not been reported in lactating dairy cows pertaining to conception rates following artificial insemination. Objectives of this study include development of a RTS system for lactating dairy cows and determining if RTS had an effect on artificial insemination (AI) success with various types of semen [conventional (CS), sexed (SS)]. During pre-breeding examinations (typically 30–60 DIM) by trained personnel, cows were assigned a RTS (1, 2, or 3) based on size and length of the cervix and uterine horns, but not including status of the ovaries. Tracts for RTS 1 were small, compact uterine horns resting within the pelvic cavity, RTS 2 were intermediate in size with uterine horns resting partially outside the pelvic cavity, and RTS 3 were large, deep tracts resting entirely outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. Additionally, cows were evaluated for RTS at a local abattoir before harvest, and tracts collected for volume and length measurements. Volume measurements were collected using Foley catheters and measuring water displaced in the uterine horns at a constant pressure. Length of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns were measured using a flexible tape. Insemination data analysis was performed using mixed model analysis of variance in Glimmix SAS 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Insemination data included 613, 308, and 572 scores in first, second, and third+ lactation cows, respectively. First-lactation cows had 65.25% with RTS 1, 30.02% RTS 2, and 4.73% RTS 3. Second-lactation cows had 53.25% RTS 1, 39.29% RTS 2, and 7.47% RTS 3. Cows with 3+ lactations had 43.18% RTS 1, 43.88% RTS 2, and 12.94% RTS 3. Cows were artificially inseminated (n = 2401 inseminations) with either CS (n = 1981) or SS (n = 420). Conception rates for CS were 38.65%, 34.26%, and 24.41% for RTS 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.0154 for RTS 1 v. 3). Conception rates for CS (38.65%, RTS 1; 34.26%, RTS 2) were higher compared to SS (21.37%, RTS 1 (P = 0.0001); 20.72%, RTS 2 (P = 0.0186)). No differences were detected between CS (24.40%) and SS (22.35%) within RTS 3; however, observations were limited for SS inseminations with RTS 3. Preliminary data regarding total length (vagina, cervix, and uterine horns; RTS 1, 2, 3 = 103.1 cm, 114.9 cm, 134 cm, respectively) and volume (RTS 1, 2, 3 = 102 mL, 131 mL, 133.3 mL, respectively) suggest both increase as RTS increases but limited observations prevent conclusions at this time. Conception rates indicate smaller reproductive tracts have improved fertility in lactating dairy cows when using CS. Identification of larger reproductive tracts will allow for more economically efficient AI programs by utilising inexpensive, high fertility semen.
Size and position of the reproductive tract impacts fertility outcomes and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows
