Effects of inducing parturition on natural partus, calf viability, and incidence ofretained placenta and dystocia in Holstein cows

摘要

Induction ofparturition can reduce calf mortality rate and calving problems. Uni and multiparous Holsteinpregnant cows with 273-280 days of gestation were given intramuscular (IM) 20mgdexamethasone only (n=27), or with 500μg cloprostenol (n=21) or with 25mg dinoprost (n=36).Controls (n=78) were given 10ml normal sterile saline IM. Cows were monitored at regulartimes during days and nights without disturbance to avoid initiating partus. All animals calvedwithin 12-55h of injections (mean, 29.89h) with 100% induction in all groups. Results showedhigh calf viability rate, no significant differences in stillbirths, incidence of retained placenta ordystocia. The findings suggest exogenous induction of parturition close to natural partus can bemanaged safely.