Clinical utility of calf front hoof circumference and maternal intrapelvic area in predicting dystocia in 103 late gestation Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical utility of measuring calf front hoof circumference, maternal intrapelvic area, and selected morphometric values in predicting dystocia in dairy cattle. An observational study using a convenience sample of 103 late-gestation Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows was performed. Intrapelvic height and width of the dam were measured using a pelvimeter, and the intrapelvic area was calculated. Calf front hoof circumference and birth weight were also measured. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), Mann-Whitney U test, and binary or ordered logistic regression; P < 0.05 was significant. The calving difficulty score (1-5) was greater in heifers (median, 3.0) than in cows (median, 1.0). Median intrapelvic area immediately before parturition was smaller in heifers (268 cm(2)) than in cows (332 cm(2)), whereas front hoof circumference and birth weight of the calf were similar in both groups. The calving difficulty score was positively associated with calf birth weight in heifers (rs = 0.39) and cows (rs = 0.24). Binary logistic regression using both dam and calf data indicated that the ratio of front hoof circumference of the calf to the maternal intrapelvic area provided the best predictor of dystocia (calving difficulty score = 4 or 5), with sensitivity = 0.50 and specificity = 0.93 at the optimal cutpoint for the ratio (>0.068 cm/cm(2)). Determining the ratio of calf front hoof circumference to maternal intrapelvic area has clinical utility in predicting the calving difficulty score in Holstein-Friesian cattle.

Clinical Utility of Plasma Fructosamine Concentration as a Hypoglycemic Biomarker during Early Lactation in Dairy Cattle

“…The study reported here was part of a larger study investigating energy and potassium homeostasis in the periparturient period, and the prediction of parturition and dystocia in Holstein–Friesian cattle. These results have been published elsewhere …”

Fetal metacarpal/metatarsal bone thickness as possible predictor of dystocia in Holstein cows

“…pelvimetry (Doornbos et al, 1984;Murray et al, 2002;Hiew et al, 2016). Intra-pelvic measurements (such as intra-pelvic area) can be accurate to examine the size of the birth canal (Murray et al, 2002;Hiew et al, 2016); however, the use of a pelvimeter (e.g., Rice pelvimeter) is considered an invasive procedure that requires epidural anesthesia for correct values without straining or holding an arched back of the cow (Murray et al, 2002). In an early report, pelvic measurements were found reasonable and 80% reliable, and commercially available instruments were found to be easy and affordable to use (Daly and Riese, 1992).…”

“…Previously, a strong positive genetic association was found between the intrapelvic area and calf birth weight (Benyshek and Little, 1982). The measurement of calf front-hoof circumference and dam pelvic area during stage II of labor has been shown as a diagnostic tool for dystocia (Hiew et al, 2016); however, interventions based on this information are difficult during parturition. We hypothesized that fetal MC/MT thickness would be a reliable diagnostic parameter in predicting calf birth weight or dystocia, and that these parameters would provide valuable information to promote the management of dystocia in dairy cattle.…”

Characterization of the analytic performance of an electrochemical point‐of‐care meter for measuring β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration in blood and plasma from periparturient dairy cattle

“…Further results have been published elsewhere. [39][40][41][42] Immediately after blood collection, BHB was measured in a drop of nonheparinized blood from the tip of the vacutainer needle using an electronic hand-held meter (Precision Xtra; Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System; Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Alameda, CA, USA). Both coded ketone test strips that included a calibrator strip with each new box of test strips, and noncoded ketone test strips were used.…”