HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schmitt, D. Articles by Erb, R. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Schmitt, D. Articles by Erb, R. E.

Induction of Parturition in Dairy Cattle with Dexamethasone and Estradiol Benzoate¹

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201 and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Abstract

Induced parturition was studied in eight 2-year-old heifers and 16 cows to determine the effect of induced parturition on reproductive performance and milk production. All animals were randomly assigned to either a control or treatment group within age, number of lactations and previous milk production groups. The treatment group received 20 mg dexamethasone and 8 mg estradiol benzoate 6 to 12 days prior to their expected calving dates. Treatment with dexamethasone plus estradiol benzoate shortened gestation length and increased the incidence of retained placentas (P < .01). No differences were found in dystocias, time for uterine involution, calving interval or services per conception.

Plasma corticoids peaked on the day of parturition in control cows but were suppressed for 48 hr by the injection of dexamethasone. Plasma progestins fell sharply and similarly in both groups 2 days before calving (P < .01). Plasma estradiol (P < .01) and urinary estrogen excretion (P < .05) in the induced group were lower than the controls prior to parturition.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 7020. Approved by the Director.

² Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Missouri-Columbia.

³ School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia.

⁴ Present address: College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 55101.

⁵ Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Missouri-Columbia.

⁶ Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Paper No. 5549, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.

⁷ The authors wish to express their appreciation to Mr. Richard Morgan, Farm Manager, and Mr. Lewis Croy, Herdsman, for their invaluable assistance in handling and managing the experimental cows used in this study.