Pelvic dimensions and occurrence of dystocia in Black-and-White and Holstein-Friesian heifers

• Autorzy: Nogalski Z. , Baranski W.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The Black-and-White (BW) breed, which until recently had dominated in Europe, was replaced by the Holstein-Friesian (HF) breed. As a result, the incidence of dystocia has increased. Dystocia occurs most frequently in heifers, and it is associated with high calf weight and/or too narrow pelvic openings in heifers. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effects of pelvic dimensions and rump angle on calving ease in two cattle breeds. The research was carried out in four barns where BW and HF cattle were used. The course of parturition was evaluated in 317 heifers (BW, n=169; HF, n=148) based on direct observations. Calves were weighed, external and internal pelvic measurements were performed (using the Rice pelvimeter), and rump angle was determined in heifers. Based on the course of parturition, heifers of both breeds were divided into easy calving (EC) and difficult calving (DC) groups. The frequency of DC was 24.3% in HF heifers and 13.1% in BW heifers. In comparison with DC heifers, EC heifers had a larger pelvic area, in particular the internal dimensions of the bony pelvis, and a higher rump angle. In comparison with BW heifers, HF heifers had a smaller rump angle, a narrower pelvis and a lower ratio of pelvic area to calf weight. High dystocia rates in HF heifers could result from a relatively large fetus size and a less preferable pelvic size and rump angle. High variation in the internal pelvic dimensions in HF heifers indicates that the incidence of dystocia can be reduced through selection for a larger pelvic size and the optimal rump angle.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences
• Rocznik: 2023
• Tom: 26
• Numer: 4
• Opis fizyczny: p.687-693,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Nogalski Z.

• Department of Animal Nutrition, Feed Science and Cattle Breeding, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

autor

Baranski W.

• Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.24425/pjvs.2023.148288