[Failure of milk ejection reflex in primiparous cows from the differential diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]

A particular failure of the milk-ejection reflex in dairy cows is described on the base of own experiences in farms and reports from literature. Four cases are reported more in detail. Quantity and fat content of cisternal, alveolar and residual milk fractions, oxytocin content in blood serum, milk-ejection after manual teat stimulation, after massage of the clitoris or rectal stimulation of the vagina and cervix were investigated. This failure of the milk-ejection is observed mostly in primiparous cows and always at the begin of the lactation period. It is complete and permanent unless successfully treated, and seems to be based on an central inhibition of the oxytocin release. Treatment consists of thorough udder stimulation and milking followed by an i.v. application of oxytocin in order to remove the residual milk portion. The condition has a good prognosis, if the treatment is carried out regularly for some days and even weeks. Acute Mastitis is the main differential diagnosis.