Lecture 3: Pregnancy and Parturition in Sheep, Goats, and Cattle (ANSC 134)

Vocabulary flashcards covering signs of pregnancy, nearing parturition, behavioral cues, common complications, and management practices for sheep, goats, and cattle.

Gestation length (sheep and goats)

Approximately 150 days (about 5 months).

Gestation length (cattle)

Approximately 280 days (about 9 months).

Udder development during pregnancy

Udder enlarges, becomes tighter, and more pronounced as mammary tissue grows.

Parity effect on udder size

First pregnancy shows udder growth; after, bag recedes but remains larger than pre-pregnancy; third+ may have a small bag or extended teats.

Vulva changes near parturition

Vulva becomes larger, swollen, relaxed, and slightly reddened; relaxation indicates birth canal is preparing.

Mucus discharge near parturition

Discharge may be clear, white, or slightly bloody as the cervix dilates.

Tail ligament loosening

Ligaments at the tail head slacken, allowing the tail head to lift (palpable sign).

Restlessness as a sign of approaching parturition

Restlessness, pacing, and possible separation from the flock; may lie down and stand repeatedly.

Nesting behavior

Pawing, circling, or searching for a suitable birth site.

Separation from herd near lambing/kidding

Animal may isolate itself from the flock as part of near-parturition behavior.

Appetite changes near parturition

Decreased appetite as parturition approaches.

Hypocalcemia (milk fever)

Low blood calcium near parturition; risk increased with multiple fetuses or low-calcium diet; treatment is calcium gluconate (IV).

Pregnancy toxemia (ketosis)

Metabolic disorder from fat metabolism in late gestation; linked to multiple fetuses or poor energy intake; treatment is propylene glycol (oral).

Vaginal prolapse (prolapse before parturition)

Partial vaginal prolapse where vaginal tissue protrudes; can be pushed back in and washed.

Complete uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurring after parturition; harder to treat and may require euthanasia if not addressed promptly.

Prolapse harness

Device to support prolapse; monitor as animals approach parturition; can be made from twine.

Dystocia

Difficult birth due to oversized fetus or abnormal presentation; requires correcting malpresentation or pulling the fetus; gloves and antiseptics recommended.

Malpresentation

Abnormal fetal presentation (e.g., breech); contributes to dystocia and may require correction.

Retained placenta

Placenta fails to expel after birth; treated with oxytocin and PGF2α (Lutalyse).

Maternal rejection

Dam refuses to care for offspring; bottle feeding or grafting to another mother may be needed; more common in first-time mothers.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions to aid birth and placental expulsion.

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α; Lutalyse)

Hormone used to stimulate uterine contractions and manage reproductive issues like retained placenta.

Quick-release knot

A knot that releases quickly, used when tying goats for safety.

Catch and halter with quick-release knot

Restraint method for goats: catch, halter, and tie with a quick-release knot.

Ewes and does

Female sheep (ewes) and female goats (does).

Parturition

The act of giving birth.

Vaginal prolapse timing

Most vaginal prolapses occur in the last days/weeks of pregnancy.

Uterine prolapse timing

Complete uterine prolapse occurs after parturition.

Prolapse prevention harness

Harness used to support prolapse; removal is needed as parturition approaches.

Retained placenta treatment

Expulsion achieved with oxytocin and PGF2α; helps prevent infections.

Dystocia remedy steps

Address malpresentation, assist by pulling the fetus downward, use gloves/antiseptics, and monitor for prolonged labor.