Factors associated with the occurrence of stillborn calves

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stillborns calves in nulliparous and pluriparous cows in the Laguna region, as well as the effect of the type of delivery, duration of pregnancy, occurrence of dystocia, use of sexed semen and sex of calf on the occurrence of stillborns calves...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of animal science 2016-10, Vol.94, p.36-36
Main Authors: Chavez, M I, Mellado, M A, Carrillo, E, Garcia, J E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal sciences
Birth weight
Calves
Cattle
Data processing
Females
Mathematical analysis
Offspring
Parturition
Pregnancy
Regression analysis
Risk analysis
Risk factors
Semen
Sex
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Summary:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stillborns calves in nulliparous and pluriparous cows in the Laguna region, as well as the effect of the type of delivery, duration of pregnancy, occurrence of dystocia, use of sexed semen and sex of calf on the occurrence of stillborns calves. The study was conducted in a large dairy operation in Laguna region (26° N). A data set of both pluriparous and nulliparous Holstein cows (2010-2014) were collected, with a total of 22,996 births. The data were statistically analyzed with descriptive methods for determining the percentage of stillborns. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regressions (PROC LOGISTIC of SAS) for risk factors that affect the occurrence of stillborns. The results showed that gestations > 279 d decreased the occurrence of stillborns (odd ratio = 0.07, CI = 0.5-0.8; P < 0.004). Male calves were six times more likely (95% CI = 4.6-7.9; P < 0.001) to be stillborn than females. Calves with birth weight at calving ≥39 kg were less likely to be stillborn (odd ratio = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.1 to 0.2; P < 0.001) than lighter calves at birth. Calves derived from sexed semen breedings were twice as likely to be stillborn (95% CI = 1.6-2.7; P < 0.001) than calves from conventional semen. Calves coming from dystocic parturition were twice as likely (95% CI = 1.4-2.9; P < 0.001) to be stillborn than calves coming from normal deliveries. It was concluded that all variables studied importantly influence the occurrence of stillborns, particularly, sex of the offspring.
ISSN:0021-8812
1525-3163
DOI:10.2527/jam2016-0079