Beef Cattle Reproduction

Whitney A. Whitworth

Associate Professor of Animal Science

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Parturition

Process of giving birth Initiated by hormone secretions of the fetus

Caused by fetal stress

Parturition

Most births occur naturally with no assistanceMalpresentations and inappropriate size of

offspring may necessitate intervention Dystocia = difficult birth

Major cause of dystocia is size of fetus

Parturition

Females preparing to give birth demonstrate behavioral changesBecome restless, separate from others, show

discomfortUdder becomes engorged, vulva begins to

swell

Parturition

Birth occurs in three stages:Stage I = initiation of myometrial contractionsStage II = expulsion of fetus

Must be completed in a timely manner

Stage III = expulsion of placenta May take up to several days

Parturition

Following birth, most animals clean their young and bond with them

Critical for young to eat ASAP so that they get colostrumContains maternal antibodies and is

responsible for first immunityGreatly increases rate of survival of offspring

Parturition

Interval between parturition and onset of estrus activity is called postpartum or postpartum intervalCattle must become pregnant within 80 d after

birth to ensure a yearly calving intervalGreatly affected by poor nutrition, and

presence of suckling offspring