Induced Calving with Cortiscosteroids: A Comparison Between Induced Cows and Their Calves and Control Animals

R.A.S. Welch and C.C. Kaltenbach

Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 52-57

Calving was induced with two injections of corticosteroids in 228 cows and 37 heifers and data from the cows and calves are compared with those from 71 untreated cows calving on the same farm at about the same time. Calf mortality was 15% after induction and 6% for controls. The mortality in the induced group was mainly in calves 15 kg and under. The calving to conception interval was longer after induced calving although the proportion of cows not pregnant was the same. Foetal membranes were retained in 21% of induced cows and 1% controls. There was no difference between induced and control cows in milk production or in the incidence of milk fever, mastitis or cow deaths.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000