Dr. Ameer A Megahed :: Publications:

Introduction: Dystocia in cattle results in pain and suffering and is an important cause of calf mortality and economic loss in the dairy and beef industries. Accurate prediction of dystocia will facilitate earlier intervention in cattle undergoing parturition. The objective of this study was to determine associations between calving difficulty score and intrapelvic dimensions, calf hoof circumference, and calf birth weight in Holstein-Friesian cattle. Materials and Methods: Internal pelvic height and width were measured using a Rice Pelvimeter (Lane Manufacturing, Denver, CO, USA) in 110 primiparous (n=35) and multiparous (n=75) Holstein-Friesian cattle in the last week before parturition. Intrapelvic area was calculated by multiplying intrapelvic height by width. Calving difficulty was scored using the National Association of Animal Breeders system on a scale of 1 (no problem) to 5 (extreme difficulty). Calf forelimb hoof circumference was measured using a tape placed around the coronary band. Calf birth weight was measured within 2 hours of birth using a weight scale. Data was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Student’s t-test, and Mann-Whitney test; P