Assessment of the temperature cut-off point by a commercial intravaginal device to predict parturition in Piedmontese beef cows

Dystocic parturitions have an adverse impact on animal productivity and therefore the profitability of the farm. In this regard, accurate prediction of calving is essential since it allows for efficient and prompt assistance of the dam and the calf. Numerous approaches to predict parturition have been studied, among these, measurement of intravaginal temperature (IVT) is the most effective method at the field level. Thus, objectives of this experiment were, 1) to find an IVT cut-off to predict calving within 24  h, and 2) to clarify the use of IVT as an automated method of calving detection in housed beef cows.

Source: Theriogenology - February 10, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: A. Ricci, V. Racioppi, B. Iotti, A. Bertero, K.F. Reed, O.B. Pascottini, L. Vincenti Source Type: research