Changes in rectal temperature, sacrosciatic ligament relaxation, and plasma progesterone concentration 24 hours before parturition in Holstein-Friesian cattle

Authors

  • M. H. W. Hiew Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • A. Megahed Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • J. R. Townsend Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • L. A. Horstman Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
  • P. D. Constable Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20133801

Keywords:

parturition, dairy cattle, dystocia, animal welfare

Abstract

Accurate prediction of parturition permits more frequent observation of periparturient dairy cattle and minimizes dystocia-related injuries that lead to animal pain and suffering. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of changes in rectal temperature, sacrosciatic ligament relaxation, and plasma progesterone concentration as indicators of parturition within 24 hours in dairy cattle.

Cover image of the 46th Conference Proceedings: An image of cattle standing in a field during th day. They are looking rather indignantly at the camera. Yellow background.

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Published

2013-09-19

Issue

2013

Section

Research Summaries 1