1.4.1 Parturition Flashcards
(44 cards)
how can we predict parturition?
- Use of dates
- Progesterone drop
- Use of physical changes
- Behavioural changes
physical changes associated with impending parturition
– Relaxation of pelvic ligaments
– Poor tail tone
– Filling of udder
– Filling of teats
– Drop in body temperature
bitch gestation length
– 63 days +/- 1 day, from ovulation
queen gestation length
- Queen – 58-68 days
cow gestation length
278-293 days
mare gestation length
341 days +/- 2-3 weeks!!
ewe gestation length
144-151
doe gestation length
147-155
Progesterone drop is how accurate for predicting parturition in the cow? is this practical?
In cow, P4<1 ng/ml is 99% accurate in predicting parturition in next 12 hrs
– Expensive, not practical
what is the prepartum progesterone drop associated with in the bitch?
In bitch, drop in P4 prepartum is seen as a drop in rectal temperature of 1-2 degrees C
can we use a prepartum progesterone drop to predict parturition in the mare?
Not useful in mare – too close, too unpredictable
Physical Signs of Impending Parturition for cow
Changes in body shape
* Mammary gland development
* Milk vein engorgement
* Poor tail tone
Signs of Impending Parturition - Mares
- Relaxation of pelvic ligaments
- Belly drops
- Mammary gland development
- Milk vein engorgement
- Milk electrolyte and pH changes
- Expulsion of mucus plug from cervix
- Filling of the teats
- Waxing
- Lengthening of the vulva
how do the udder and teats of a mare change as parturition approaches?
Growth of the udder occurs in the last 2 –4 weeks
Waxing of the teats usually within 48 hours before birth
* Changes in milk composition
how does the pH of mare;s milk indicate fetal readiness for birth?
- Using standard pH strips, milk can be tested to determine fetal readiness
- When pH drops below 6.4: Most mares foal within next 24hrs.
how do milk electrolytes change near parturition?
-calcium levels rise >200ppm
-sodium drops, potassium rises => potassium becomes dominant over sodium
stage 1 of labour
Stage One–Uterine contractions, repositioning of fetus, dilation of cervix
stage 2 of labour
Stage Two – Rupture of chorioallantois and delivery of the foal
stage 3 of labour
- Stage Three – Passage of the placenta
signs of stage 1 labour in the cow
-anorexia, arched back, restless elevated tail
signs of stage 1 labour in the mare
-anorexia, colicky, patchy, sweating, frequent urination/defacation
signs of stage 1 labour in the bitch
-panting, vomiting, nesting, restless
signs of stage 1 labour in the ewe/doe
-separate from flock, nesting, restless
length of stage 1 and stage 2 labour in the cow?
1: 1-24 hr (avg 6)
2: 1-8 hr-Cow vs heifer
