Effect of Parturition Induction of Term Pregnancies on Calf Survival, Production and Reproduction in Holstein Dairy Cows

Abstract

Longer gestations are correlated with higher birth weights, and larger calves are correlated with an increased rate of stillbirths and dystocias. Cows that experience stillbirths have a higher risk for periparturient diseases such as retained placenta (RP), downer cow syndrome, metabolic diseases, lower milk production, decreased fertility and higher risk of dying or being culled. Preventing long gestations via parturition induction may prevent delivery of larger calves and dystocia in cows. Parturition induction has been reported as a management tool to maximize utilization of pastures in Australia and New Zealand. In that situation, all cows are induced to calve or abort independent of their gestation length, causing high incidence of RP and lower milk production in the subsequent lactation.

We hypothesize that a single dose of dexamethasone given to induce parturition in cows that are past the average due date (1) will decrease perinatal calf and dam mortality; (2) will decrease the incidence of RP; and (3) will have no negative effect on milk production in the subsequent lactation when compared to non-induced cows.