Retained fetal membranes in dairy and beef cows cause uterine infection and welfare compromise in the days after calving, requiring appropriate management to minimize duration and severity of suffering.
Retained fetal membranes cause welfare compromise from the developing uterine infection that typically follows. The decomposing retained tissue provides a medium for bacterial growth, leading to endometritis and potentially metritis with systemic illness including fever and reduced appetite. The smell of decomposing membranes is itself distressing, and cows with RFMs may be isolated or experience altered social dynamics. Pain from uterine inflammation causes reduced milk yield, appetite, and activity. The historical practice of manually removing retained membranes, now known to increase trauma and infection, caused direct welfare harm through tearing of the uterine lining.