A study using Sepia 200C given prophylactically postpartum to prevent anoestrus problems in the dairy cow

The results obtained from a study model using Sepia 200C in a herd of dairy cows led to an extended study. Overall reproductive performance was monitored monthly by a farm action list and the technique of palpation of the ovaries per rectum was used to determine pregnancy and cyclical status. A total of 101 cows were randomly treated with Sepia 200C on day 14 or 21 postpartum. Statistical analysis of the results was based on the differences between the untreated Control and Sepia-treated groups in periparturient disorders and pre - and post service periods, and between the two Sepia-treated groups. In the pre-service period, a significant difference was found between the Sepia-treated groups in the proportion of heifers calved, the number of assisted calvings and pre-service problems compared to Control. A difference of 9.9 total mean days to oestrus post-treatment was found between the Sepia-treated groups. During the post-service period, significant differences were found in the conception rate to first service, the percentage of cows in calf and total culled. A reduction (non significant) was found in the 21-day treatment group compared to control and 14-day treatment in the mean days calving to conception interval and the calving index. However, between the Sepia-treated groups a significant difference was found in total mean days calving to conception interval. The results of this study appear to demonstrate a difference in effect between the Sepia-treated groups and Control group. The study has been extended into a double blind placebo trial to find the effect of using a placebo and assess the use of Sepia given earlier postpartum on herd reproductive performance

A study model with initial findings using Sepia 200C given prophylactically to prevent anoestrus problems in the dairy cow

Overall reproductive performance and associated periparturient disorders were monitored in a herd of British Friesian cross dairy cowsfrom September 1987 to August 1988. Pregnancy diagnosis and cyclical status of the herd was determined by palpation of the ovaries per rectum. A total of 49 (110) cows were randomly treated with Sepia 200C either on day 14(19) or 21 days (30) postpartum. Statistical analysis of the resuls was based on the differences between the control and combined Sepia-treated groups. Although there were significant differences in the proportion of heifers calvin in each group, there was no significant difference in periparturient disorders or during the pre-service period. However, in the Sepia Group that held a lower proportion of heifers, a significant difference was found in the conception rate to 1st sevice (47//), the percentage of cows in calf (90//) and total culling rate (10//) compared to the Control Group (26//, 72//and 28//respectively). A reduction (non significant) was found between the Sepia and Control services to conception (0.2), calving to conception interval (5 days) and calving index (2 days). The result of this pilot study appear to demonstrate a difference in effect between the Sepia-treated Group and Control Group. The study has been extended to treat a larger number of dairy cows to examine the reproducibility of these results