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Some maternal factors associated with dystocia in Belgian Blue cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 August 2016

R. D. Murray ,
T. A. Cartwright ,
D. Y. Downham  and
M. A. Murray
R. D. Murray
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool Veterinary Field Station, Leahurst, Nestori CH64 7TE
T. A. Cartwright
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool Veterinary Field Station, Leahurst, Nestori CH64 7TE
D. Y. Downham
Affiliation:
Mathematical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX
M. A. Murray
Affiliation:
132, Nezvbattle Abbey Crescent, Eskbank, Midlothian EH22 3LP
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Abstract

Measurements of conformation and pelvic characteristics of pedigree Belgian Blue cows were compared in cattle from 11 herds. In seven herds comprising 56 cows caesarean sections were routinely used to deliver pedigree calves and in four herds comprising 52 cows they were given the opportunity to calve naturally per vaginum. Cows in the seven herds were approximately 10 months younger than those in the other herds. External pelvic measurements were linear distances between the tuber coxae, between the tuber coxarum and the tuber ischium, between the tuber ischii, the vertical distance between the underside of the tail and the tuber ischii, and heights of the tuber coxae and tuber ischii from the floor. Internal pelvic measurements were the vertical distance between the ventral body of the sacrum and the pubic symphysis and the horizontal distance between the wings of the ileum at the widest point of the pelvic inlet, both made with a Rice pelvimeter. Condition scores were assessed for all cows. There were correlations (P < 0·001) between internal pelvic height and width, external measurements, and age. For cattle that calved unassisted, pelvic height (P < 0·05) and area (P < 0·05) were significantly larger than those delivered by elective caesarean section. From internal pelvic measurements of 74 cows, those which always delivered live calves had a larger pelvic area (P < 0·01) than cows that delivered a dead foetus following any parturition.

Keywords

animal welfareBelgian Bluedystociapelvic measurements
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 69 , Issue 1 , August 1999 , pp. 105 - 113
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1999

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