Prognosis of parturition through some measurements on the dam and foetus in SMR cows

ABSTRACT

This study was applied on 68 SMR cows. The distance between the tuber coxae of the pelvis was measured in 56 cows two and one days before, during and one day after parturition, as well as in 12 nonpregnant cows. The diameter of the fetlock joint of the fetus was measured at the beginning of the expulsive stage of parturition. The sex and weight of the fetus were recorded immediately after delivery. The type of parturition was considered as normal if no outside help was needed. The results revealed that there was a significant increase in the distance between the two tuber coxae of the pelvis 2 days before [in pluriparous cows] and one day before [in primiparous cows] parturition and decrease one day after parturition. All animals having a distance over 38 cm in primiparous and 42 cm in pluriparous cows during parturition gave normal birth. A positive correlation between the diameter of the fetlock joint of the fetus and its weight during parturition was recorded. Therefore, the measurement of the distance between tuber coxae of the dam and the diameter of the fetlock joint of the fetus during parturition may give an idea about the physiological changes of the pelvis and the size and weight of the fetus and consequently may be of help in the prognosis of parturition