Blood levels of 15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F(2alpha) during the postpartum period in primiparous cows

Plasma levels of the PGF(2alpha) metabolite 15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F(2alpha) were determined postpartum in 51 primiparous Black and White Lowland cows. The highest geometric mean was 1702 pmol/l on day 3 and lowest 190 pmol/l on day 21. It should be noted that variation between animals in the concentration of the metabolite is high. For instance, on days 4, 10, 16 and 22, concentration of metabolite ranged from 775-2500, 209-2450, 45-851 and 30-398 pmol/l, respectively. The duration of the massive postpartum release of PGF(2alpha) could be determined in only 29 cows. Significant correlations were found between the duration of elevated PGF(2alpha) metabolite levels and the time required for completion of uterine involution (r = -0.41, P < 0.05) and between the duration of increased PGF(2alpha) metabolite levels and the interval from parturition to occurrence of the first ovulation followed by a normal luteal phase length (r = -0.37, P < 0.05). The occurrence of the first ovulation followed by a normal luteal phase length in the 29 cows was positively correlated with the time needed for completion of uterine involution (r = 0.54, P < 0.01).