Calving Management and Newborn Calf Care: An interactive Textbook for Cattle Medicine and Obstetrics

Chapter 1 Generalities/Introduction1.1. Reproduction in cattle (definitions, implications with production ...)1.1.1. Dairy herds1.1.2. Beef herds1.2. Reproduction management 1.3. Embryonic, fetal losses and abortion1.4. Calving 1.4.1. Eutocia (definition)1.4.2. Dystocia (definitions, incidence, significances, ...)1.5. The offspring (vitality, mortality, ...)1.6. The challenges and new insights for the care of the dam and calf
Chapter 2 Anatomy of the reproductive systemShort introduction regarding the uterus/ovaries and concept of pelvimetry2.1. Internal genitalia (Uterus, cervix and vagina/vestibular zone, ovaries)2.2. External genitalia (vulva, perineum, defects, ...)2.3. The pelvis Concept of birth canal, applications of pelvimetry 2.3.1. The osseous constituents (sacrum, ischium, ilium, pelvic inlet and outlet...)2.3.2. Soft tissues (ligaments, articulations, blood vessels, nerfs, pelvic diaphragm, ...) 2.3.3. Conformation and inclination 2.4. Pelvic mensuration (techniques and uses)2.5. Genetic and nutritional improvement for an adequate pelvis in heifers.2.6. Most common genetic and congenital defects
Learning objectives/key points and Q&A
Chapter 3 Reproductive physiology Introduction/puberty/others3.1. Oestrus cycle (characterization; hormones; main reasons for length variation, ...)3.2. Conception (fertilization, embryonic development, maternal recognition, embryo implantation; hormonal changes, placental development, Is the bovine uterus a sterile environment?, ...)3.3 Pregnancy length (related factors; claws, infections and discomfort, myometrium contractility during late pregnancy, ... )3.4. Effect of pregnancy stage on milk composition 3.5. Anoestrus - causes and consequences3.6. Factors affecting reproductive physiology and fertility (virus, genetic, malnutrition).
Chapter 4 Non-pregnant and pregnant cow's management4.1. Management of timed fertilization/insemination (Genomic evaluation of age at first calving, determination of optimal time in heifers and in adult cows, ...)4.2. Twins (incidence, implications, potential reduction, ...)4.3. Management of the pregnant cow (diagnosis, rectal palpation and pregnancy loss, nutritional management during lactating period, vaccinations, serum metabolites during pregnancy...) 4.4. Management of the pregnant heifer 4.5. Transition period4.5.1. Implications of dry period length 4.5.2. Changes in the mammary gland4.5.3. Nutritional management (negative energy balance, minerals, BCS, feed intake, ...)4.6. Colostrum (characterization, nutritional value, immunoglobulin G1, G2 and M concentrations, preservation...)
Learning objectives/key points and Q&A
Chapter 5 Normal birth (eutocia)5.1. Parturition induction and hormonal changes (physiologic induction, artificial induction)5.2. Fetal static (classification, assessment, ...)5.3. Prodromal external signs of parturition5.4 Stages of labor5.4.1. Stage I or dilatation stage (signs, duration, changes...)5.4.2. Stage II or fetal expulsion stage (signs, duration, changes...) 5.4.2.1. Prediction and management (Body/rectal/vaginal/eart temperature; Rumination and feeding behavior; Combined pelvic ligament relaxation and teat filling measurement; Behavioral changes; Steroid assays, use of automated