beef cattle reproduction
Post on 07-Feb-2016
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Beef Cattle Reproduction
Whitney A. Whitworth
Associate Professor of Animal Science
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Parturition
Process of giving birth Initiated by hormone secretions of the fetus
Caused by fetal stress
Parturition
Most births occur naturally with no assistanceMalpresentations and inappropriate size of
offspring may necessitate intervention Dystocia = difficult birth
Major cause of dystocia is size of fetus
Parturition
Females preparing to give birth demonstrate behavioral changesBecome restless, separate from others, show
discomfortUdder becomes engorged, vulva begins to
swell
Parturition
Birth occurs in three stages:Stage I = initiation of myometrial contractionsStage II = expulsion of fetus
Must be completed in a timely manner
Stage III = expulsion of placenta May take up to several days
Parturition
Following birth, most animals clean their young and bond with them
Critical for young to eat ASAP so that they get colostrumContains maternal antibodies and is
responsible for first immunityGreatly increases rate of survival of offspring
Parturition
Interval between parturition and onset of estrus activity is called postpartum or postpartum intervalCattle must become pregnant within 80 d after
birth to ensure a yearly calving intervalGreatly affected by poor nutrition, and
presence of suckling offspring
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