J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1974. 38:1-9.
© 1974 American Society of Animal Science
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Induction of Parturition in Farm Animals

E. J. Carroll

Colorado State University1 Fort Collins 80521

Abstract

Parturition can be induced by the injection of corticosteroids in cattle, sheep, horses and swine, although very high doses are required to elicit a response in the latter two species. There are no complications when parturition is induced in ewes on day 142 or later in pregnancy and this practice may therefore be effectively used in flocks of sheep with known breeding dates. The major complication after induced parturition in cattle is retained placenta, but this has not presented a hazard to the health of the dam or post-treatment fertility if systemic antibiotics are used to control infectious processes. Birth weight of calves is decreased by induction of parturition, but there is no reduction in calving difficulty. On the contrary, more deliveries require assistance. Calves born after day 270 of pregnancy generally have satisfactory rate of survival and their growth to weaning age is comparable to calves born from normal parturition. Induction of parturition can be used as a management tool to control time of parturition in beef cattle, but the usefulness of the procedure has not been determined in herds of dairy cattle. Successful utilization of the induction of parturition is dependent on having full control of the breeding program, adequate facilities and a well-trained labor force. Increased losses of cows and calves are possible if the procedure is not properly utilized or if there is infectious disease present in the herd.

Footnotes

1 Animal Production Laboratory.






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Copyright © 1974 by the American Society of Animal Science.