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

摘要

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.