Prediction of the onset of parturition in horses and cattle.

The research paper is about predicting the onset of parturition, that is childbirth, in horses and cattle in order to improve survival rates of the mother and offspring, and prevent economic loss due to dystocia or neonatal death.

Prediction methods

• The paper discusses several methods that are used to predict parturition in horses and cattle. These methods include estimating the gestational age using ultrasound, observing the clinical signs and behavior changes in the animals, and noting changes in body temperature.
• The secretion composition of the mammary gland and hormonal changes are also considered as indicators of the onset of labor.
• Several systems and methods have been developed based on the physiological changes associated with the end of gestation and the onset of labor.

Challenges in prediction

• The prediction methods may not always be reliable due to various factors including breed of the animal, maternal age, and parity.
• Pathological changes due to intrauterine growth retardation, placental problems or general illness of the dam can also introduce uncertainty in prediction.
• The housing and management systems under which the animals are kept can also affect the reliability of the prediction.

Acceptance in cattle versus horses

• In the case of cattle, these biases in prediction may be acceptable as long as birth alarm systems provide satisfactory results at a herd level.
• However, the situation is different in horses where the economic and emotional value of an individual mare and her foal is generally higher than in cows.
• Therefore, while the possibilities for prediction of parturition can be discussed between the two species, the consequences of inaccurate predictions may differ significantly.