Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration prior to parturition in relation to birth weight of the calf in primiparous, 2-year-old, Angus heifers

Title Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration prior to parturition in relation to birth weight of the calf in primiparous, 2-year-old, Angus heifers
Publication Type Journal Article
Year of Publication 2009
Authors Hickson, R E. , Kenyon P R. , Lopez-Villalobos N. , and Morris S T.
Journal Animal Reproduction Science
Volume 114
Issue 1-3
Pagination 301 - 305
Date Published 2009
ISBN Number 03784320 (ISSN)
Keywords dystocia
Abstract

Dystocia and assisted calving in primiparous heifers are persistent problems in beef herds, and incidence increases with increasing birth weight of calves. Plasma samples taken from 33 primiparous, 2-year-old, Angus heifers 2 days prior to parturition were analyzed for oestrone sulphate concentration. Additional samples taken at 4, 6, 8 and 10 days prior to parturition were analyzed for 17 of these heifers. At parturition, birth weight of the calf, post-partum live weight of the heifer, assistance at calving (n = 6) and status of the calf (stillborn (n = 4) vs. alive) were recorded. Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration was stable from 10 to 4 days prior to parturition and increased between 4 and 2 days prior to parturition for non-assisted heifers. Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration did not affect the probability of assistance at calving or stillbirth. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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