Parturition

Question 1

Draw ‘initiation of parturition’ flow chart…

Answer 1

without looking

Question 2

Draw Ferguson’s Reflex

Answer 2

without looking

Question 3

Stage 2 of parturition involves…

Answer 3

expulsion of the foetus
- signalled externally by rupture of chorioallantois -> fluid lubricates vag & cervix
- requires strong myometrial contractions then strong abdominal contractions
- foetus -> hypoxic -> ++movement -> ++myometrial contractions
Cows: dam may shift from standing & recumbency, calf delivered while cow is in lateral recumbency
May eat between straining
Calf can survive up to 8 hrs during parturition (if umbilicus not ruptured)
Once head thru, rest follows

Question 4

Stage 3 of parturition involves…

Answer 4

fetal membrane expulsion

• occurs immediately after expulsion of the foetus
• chorionic villi detach from crypts of maternal side of placenta (vasoconstriction of placental villi - foetal side & maternal side)
• ++ bacterial & leucocyte activity
• persistent uterine contractions (up to 72hrs)
• 1-2 hours, no more than 8
• licking & nursing calf
• serious & potentially fatal complications with failure here or retained foetal membrane (RFM) > 12 hr -> disease, reduced milk prod., repro. performance & ++ cull rate

Question 5

Define dystocia

Answer 5

difficult birth
prolonged parturition
excessive size of foetus
multiple births