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Chapter 12: Bovine Husbandry

Reading Assignment

  • Chapter 12: Bovine Husbandry

Zoologic Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Artiodactyla
  • Family: Bovidae
  • Genus: Bos
  • Species: Tarus or Indicus

Physiologic Data

  • Temperature: Average range from 100° F to 102.5° F
  • Pulse rate: Average of 40 to 80 beats per minute
  • Respiration rate: Average of 10 to 30 breaths per minute
  • Adult weight: Varies significantly by breed

Breeds of Cattle

  1. Aryshire
  2. Brown Swiss
  3. Guernsey
  4. Holstein-Friesian
  5. Jersey
  6. Shorthorn
  7. Angus
  8. Limousin
  9. Angus-Hoistein cross

Breeding Data

  • Type of estrous cycle: Year-round polyestrous
  • Age of female at puberty: Averages between 7 to 18 months
  • Age of male at puberty: Averages between 7 to 18 months
  • Time of first breeding: Typically around 15 months
  • Estrus cycle frequency: Every 21 days

Estrous Cycle Details

  • Duration of estrus: Average is 18 hours
  • Time of ovulation: Occurs typically 12 to 18 hours after the end of estrus
  • Optimal time of breeding: Recommended to breed 12 hours after standing heat
  • Gestation period: Averages 283 days (ranges from 276 to 295 days)
  • Birth weight: Typically between 60 to 100 pounds
  • Litter size: Usually one to two calves
  • Weaning age: For dairy calves, 3 months; for beef calves, 4 to 6 months

Semen Collection

  • Electroejaculation: Most common method
  • Mounting dummy: Used during semen collection procedures

Artificial Insemination (AI)

  • Position: Standing position of the cow is preferred
  • Application: Sperm is deposited just beyond the cervix
  • Method: Rectovaginal technique is commonly used

Embryo Transfer Process

  • Superovulation of the donor: Use of hormone treatment to increase ovulation
  • Insemination timing: Typically performed 12 to 18 hours apart
  • Collection of embryos: Embryos are harvested 6 to 8 days post-insemination
  • Identification and selection of embryos: Criteria are based on viability and health to ensure proper transfer
  • Embryo transfer: Process of placing selected embryos into a recipient in order to establish pregnancy

Signs of Impending Parturition

  • Physical signs:
    • Softening of muscles and ligaments of the hindquarters and tail head occurs approximately 24 to 48 hours prior to parturition
    • Swelling of the vulva
    • Presence of thick mucus discharge from the vulva
    • Enlargement of the udder
    • Distention of the teats
    • Separation from the herd, indicating discomfort or impending labor
    • Defensive behavior among cows approaching delivery
  • Temperature fluctuation: A slight fall in rectal temperature may be observed approximately 54 hours prior to parturition, although this is not a reliable indicator

Stages of Parturition

  1. Stage 1:

    • Average duration: 6 hours
    • Behavioral signs: Cow becomes restless with little interest in food
    • Physical signs: Kicking at belly and straining

  2. Stage 2:

    • Duration: Ranges from 30 minutes to 4 hours (averaging 75 minutes)
    • Recommendations: If no progress is made after 1 hour, seek assistance with delivery

  3. Stage 3:

    • Duration: 4 to 6 hours
    • Recommendations: If placenta has not been passed within 24 hours, seek veterinary assistance

Dystocia

  • Definition: Dystocia is the term for difficulties experienced during parturition, more common in bovines than horses
  • Recommended methods to manage dystocia:
    • Mutation via traction: Physical manipulation to aid delivery
    • Fetotomy: Surgical process to remove parts of the fetus if necessary
    • C-section: Cesarean section is conducted, which tends to be more successful in cattle than in equines

Neonatal Care

  • Oxygenation and pulse assessment: Ensuring calf receives adequate oxygen and heart function
  • Temperature regulation: Monitoring the calf’s body temperature to maintain warmth
  • Umbilical cord care: Ensuring the umbilical cord is clean and intact to prevent infection
  • Nutrition (nursing): Ensuring calf nurses from the mother within the first few hours for optimal nutrition
  • Bonding of cow and calf: Encourages natural mother-calf bonding post-delivery
  • Meconium passage: Monitoring for passage of first feces, indicating proper digestive function
  • Passive transfer of antibodies: Evaluating the effectiveness of antibody transfer via colostrum intake
  • Physical examination of the calf: Checking for any physical health issues post-delivery

Dentition of Cattle

  • Incisors: 0/4
  • Canines: 0/0
  • Premolars: 3/3
  • Molars: 3/3
  • Total dentition count: 32 teeth in total

Body Condition Score

  • Body condition scoring system used to assess the health and nutritional status of cattle, important for breeding and management.