Subclinical endometritis in cows: a bibliometric analysis

Bovine fertility remains a critical factor in the economic sustainability of livestock operations, with subclinical endometritis (SE) posing a significant challenge. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of SE research, aiming to elucidate research trends, influential scholars, and key concepts in the field. A total of 483 articles extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database managed by Clarivate were analyzed using R Studio and the Bibliometrix package. The analysis reveals that SE research initiated in 1992 but experienced a substantial surge between 2014 and 2016. Theriogenology (n = 82) emerges as the most prolific journal in the field. Marc Drillich (n = 33) stands out as the most productive author, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge. The most frequently occurring keywords include ‘cytological endometritis’, ‘dairy cattle’, ‘dairy cows’, ‘endometrial cytology’, ‘Holstein cows’, ‘postpartum dairy’, ‘postpartum uterine’, ‘repeat breeder’, and ‘reproductive performance’, reflecting the core focus areas of SE research. A Thematic Map Analysis was conducted to visualize research activities and emerging trends. This analysis highlights the evolution of research themes over the examined period, providing insights into the shifting focus of SE studies. The temporal distribution of publications indicates a growing interest in SE, particularly in the last decade, suggesting its increasing recognition as a critical issue in bovine reproductive health. This study is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis on SE in the veterinary field. By mapping the intellectual structure of SE research, it provides researchers and practitioners with a valuable overview of the current state of knowledge, identifies potential research gaps, and suggests directions for future investigations. Consequently, this analysis can contribute to facilitating studies on bovine SE by guiding researchers in their work.