Dairy farming study highlights economic benefits of metritis treatment

A study conducted in Florida, USA, has analyzed the economic impact of acute metritis in dairy cows. The research examined 875 Holstein cows to determine the cost-effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

Findings indicate that leaving metritis untreated can result in losses of up to 382 euros per cow. These losses primarily stem from reduced milk yield (49%) and increased herd replacement costs (24%). While antibiotic treatment involves higher immediate medical costs—approximately 95 euros compared to 31 euros for untreated cows—the therapy improves fertility rates (71% vs 61%) and reduces culling rates (29% vs 39%). Ultimately, treated cows showed a profit advantage of 171 euros per head compared to untreated cows.