CARE AND MANAGEMENT

OF PREGNANT COW

Submitted by- 2021-VK-22

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OBJECTIVES
Successful completion of gestation period.
Birth of a healthy calf.
Absence or negligible post partum
complication.
Optimum lactation.
Overall health management.
What is gestation period ?
It is the time period between conception
and parturition, during which the embryo
or fetus is developing in the uterus.
 GESTATION PERIOD

278 – 293 281- 334

DAYS DAYS

COW BUFFALO
 Age at first calving-
1.Indigenous breed (cattle) – 3 years
2.Exotic breed (cattle) – 2 years
3.Buffaloes – 3.5 years
Factors in which gestation periods
depends-
1. BREED
2. GENOTYPE OF SIRE AND DAM
3. BODY SIZE OF FETUS
4. PLACENTAL ENDOCRINE
FUNCTION
5. AGE
6. SEASON OF BREEDING AND
CALVING
 PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS
Methods of pregnancy diagnosis-

1. Physiological changes.
2. Clinical examination -
a) Outer examination
b) Inner examination
3. Ultrasonography.
4. Laboratory methods.
PRECUATIONS TO CONSIDER DURING
PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS-
Cleanliness- Ensure the rectal palpation arm or
ultrasound probe is sanitized.
Gentle Handling- When performing rectal
palpation the movements of the arms should be
slow to minimize stress and discomfort.
Safety Gear- Wear appropriate safety gear, such
as gloves and protective clothing.
Proper Restraint- Proper restraint of the cow is
essential for safety.
Record keeping- Keep accurate records of
pregnancy diagnosis for each cow. This helps in
managing the herd and planning for calving.
Animal Welfare- Always prioritize the welfare
of the cow.
VACCINATION
Pre-calving vaccination with Calf scours
( Rota, corona viruses, E.coli, Clostridium
perfringens C, D )
Before breeding – FMD, IBR-IPVV, BVD,
Leptospirosis, Vibriosis

Deworming – Pre – partum with pregnancy safe

anthelmintics, Post-partum – Benzimidazole grp
CONCLUSION
Good management practices , environment , adequate
nutrition are necessary to prevent loss of pregnancy.

Bovine obstetrics is of economic importance as any

obstetrical problems can put the animal owners to
great economic loss.

Calves need to receive individual attention and care

immediately following birth. There is direct link
between good calf care and milk production and
longevity in the milking herd.