The effect of calf presence on hastening placental expulsion in Holstein cows

Background: Delayed placental expulsion can lead to a number of reproductive disorders, making timely placenta expulsion essential for reproductive management. Our hypothesis was that the presence of a calf at colostrum harvest will lead to earlier placental expulsion. Methods: This study was conducted on ۴۸ heifers and they were divided into ۲ groups: ۱- Presence of the calf during colostrum harvest and ۲- Calf absence during colostrum harvest. In the first group, calves were placed in front of their dam ۳ minutes before milking and also during milking (milking duration was about ۷ minutes in all groups), and in the second group, calves were separated soon after they were dried by their dam. The primiparous cows were monitored until the placental expulsion and the exact time was recorded. Results: The mean placental expulsion was ۵.۹۹±۰.۴ and ۱۰.۳۳±۲.۰۴ h in the first and second groups, respectively. Conclusion: The presence of the calves during colostrum harvest can significantly reduce the time of placenta expulsion, and the reproductive future of the animal will be improved.

کلیدواژه ها:

Colostrum ، Holstein ، Calf ، Calving ، Placental expulsion