Relationships of barometric pressure and environmental temperature with incidence of parturition in beef cows1

Abstract

The relationship between barometric pressure (BARO) and maximum (MAX_T) and minimum (MIN_T) environmental temperatures with the incidence of parturition in beef cows was examined through exploratory data analysis. Spring- and fall-calving records from a 5-yr period (2005 through 2009) collected at the University of Arkansas, Livestock and Forestry Research Station (Batesville) and the Department of Animal Science Savoy Research Unit (Savoy, AR) were used. All cows were multiparous, predominantly Angus, and naturally bred. During this period, 2,210 calves were born over a cumulative 1,547 d. Local weather station BARO and MAX_T and MIN_T data were obtained from the Southern Regional Climate Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. The combined calving record and climate variables were used to determine differences in BARO, MAX_T, and MIN_T on d 0 (d of calving) and -1, -2, or -3 d, respectively, before calving occurred (CALFD) or did not occur (NOCALFD). Location and season also were included in the model. For fall-calving cows, BARO on d 0 and -1, -2, or -3 was not different between CALFD and NOCALFD (P > 0.10). For spring-calving cows, BARO on d 0, -1, -2, and -3 was greater (P < 0.05) for CALFD compared with NOCALFD. The MAX_T was greater on d -1 (24.4 vs. 22.9°C) and -3 (24.8 vs. 23.4°C) for CALFD in the fall compared with NOCALFD (P < 0.05). No differences were detected in the fall for MAX_T on d 0 or -2 (P > 0.10). In the spring, a decreased MAX_T was associated with CALFD. Maximum environmental temperatures on d 0 (14.7 vs. 16.0°C), -1 (14.4 vs. 16.0°C), and -3 (14.0 vs. 15.7°C) were less for CALFD compared with NOCALFD (P < 0.05). No difference was detected on d -2 (P > 0.10). For fall, MIN_T was greater on d -1 (12.8 vs. 11.3°C), -2 (13.0 vs. 11.4°C), and -3 (13.1 vs. 11.7°C) for CALFD compared with NOCALFD (P < 0.05). In spring, MIN_T for d 0 (2.6 vs. 3.9°C), -1 (2.5 vs. 3.7°C), -2 (2.1 vs. 3.7°C), and -3 (1.8 vs. 3.8°C) were lesser (P < 0.05) for CALFD vs. NOCALFD. These data indicate that for spring-calving cows, a greater BARO and decreased MAX_T and MIN_T were associated with CALFD, whereas for fall-calving cows, an increase in MAX_T and MIN_T was associated with CALFD. Therefore, monitoring weather conditions may assist producers in preparing for the obstetric assistance of beef cattle.

Lunar Cycle Influences Spontaneous Delivery in Cows

“…In the cattle industry, it is likewise believed that the full moon influences delivery. Weather patterns, such as changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, have been reported to affect timing of birth in cattle [15], which is consistent with comparable reports for humans [1–3]. Hence, in the present study, we investigated the relationship between lunar phases and calving dates of Holstein cows.…”

Daily calving frequency and preterm calving is not associated with lunar cycle but preterm calving is associated with weather conditions in Japanese Black cows

“…We found that high temperature and THI conditions might increase the occurrence of preterm calving. A similar result was reported indicating that a high temperature on the days before parturition led to a shortened gestation length in dairy and beef cows [7,23]. In sheep, heat stressed by exposure to a temperature of 48°C for 75 min increased serum oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone levels [24].…”

“…Here, lunar cycle and weather conditions were investigated to test whether they were associated with DCF or preterm calving in Japanese Black cows. These variables were chosen because the lunar cycle has been reported to be associated with calving frequency in Holstein dairy cows [6] and with birth rates in humans [15], and weather conditions were also associated with calving frequency in beef cows [7]. To assess the effect of those variables on DCF and preterm calving, our research used two studies; one for each day level and the other for cow levels.…”

“…From a different perspective, Troxel and Gadberry [7] found that weather patterns, such as a higher barometric pressure and lower temperature, increased the rate of calving in beef cows. However, information in this regard is still scarce so far.…”