Effect of uterine manipulation 35 days after parturition on plasma concentrations of 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2 alpha in multiparous and primiparous Brahman cows.

Thirteen multiparous (M; 451 kg, 6.1 body condition score) and 11 primiparous (P) Brahman cows (408 kg, 6.3 body condition score) were assigned randomly within parity to receive either 2-min uterine manipulation (UM) per rectum 35 d after calving or no UM (C). This resulted in four groups: MUM (n = 8), MC (n = 5), PUM (n = 5) and PC (n = 6). All animals received a jugular cannula on d 34. Blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals from 30 min prior to UM until 120 min after UM and at 20-min intervals through 300 min after UM. Plasma was harvested immediately and stored at -20 degrees C until RIA for 13, 14-dihydro-15 keto prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM). Number of PGFM peaks in 330 min and amplitude of these peaks were similar (P greater than .10) in MC (2.0 peaks, 445.6 pg/ml) and PC (1.8 peaks, 446.9 pg/ml). Response to UM differed (P less than .02) by parity. The PGFM response of UM and C primiparous cows did not differ. Mean PGFM concentrations between 70 and 300 min after UM were greater (P less than .05) in MUM than in MC cows. Area of the PGFM curve did not differ (P greater than .10) in primiparous groups but was greater (P less than .01) in MUM than in MC cows. Uterine manipulation 35 d after parturition increased plasma PGFM in M but not in P cows.