Accuracy of Predicting Twins By Rectal Palpation in Dairy Cows

Authors

  • C. J. Callahan Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, U.S.A.
  • L. A. Horstman Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, U.S.A.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19926470

Keywords:

rectal palpation, predicting twins, twinning, associated factors, consequences

Abstract

Dairymen in the USA look upon twinning in dairy cows as an undesirable and unwanted event because of the strong association with abortions, stillbirths, dystocias, retained fetal membranes, uterine infections, infertility, increased culling and possible reduced milk production.

The possible causes associated factors and consequences of twinning have been reviewed.(1-4) Unfortunately there is evidence that twinning in dairy cows is increasing.5 Whether the adverse effects of twinning can be eliminated or reduced by improved feeding and management practices has not been substantiated. In order to apply such practices, there must be an accurate method to determine the presence of twins.

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of rectal palpation in predicting twins in 25 herds.

Cover image of the First Volume of the 25th Conference Proceedings: An earl-morning photo of farmland. A small farm is nestled among rolling hills, fields stretching across a curving road that disappears between dark green trees. The barn is a cheery red color with a tin roof. Beneath the photo is the a statement of the conference's theme in white italics: Challenges of the Bovine Industry in the Twenty-First Century. Deep red background.

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Published

1992-08-31

Issue

1992: Volume 1

Section

Genetics and Theriogenology