Pelvic Dimensions in Phenotypically Double‐muscled Belgian Blue cows

Abstract

Some anatomical characteristics of 507 Belgian Blue (BB) cattle, withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), the distance between the two tubera coxae (TcTc) and the distance between the two tubera ischiadica (TiTi), were compared with the internal pelvic measurements of width, height and area. Mean values were 58.9 ± 6.2 cm for TcTc, 14.6 ± 2.3 cm for TiTi, 15.2 ± 2.1 cm for pelvic width (PW), 18.8 ± 1.9 cm for pelvic height (PH) and 288.5 ± 60.9 cm(2) for pelvic area (PA). Cows that calved per vaginam had larger WH (p < 0.05), TcTc (p < 0.05) and TiTi (p < 0.001) and internal pelvic measurements [PH and PA (p < 0.001)] compared with those whose parturition was managed by caesarean section (CS): Correlations between internal pelvic measurements and TcTc were higher (r = 0.58-0.63) than TiTi (r = 0.22-0.28). Correlations between other external body measures such as HG and WH with the internal pelvic measurements were even higher for HG (r = 0.69-0.74) and for WH (r = 0.67-0.74). HG and WH, together with internal pelvic measures, may be added to estimated breeding values (EBV's) that should assist breeders in selecting cows that can calve per vaginam, thereby reducing the breed's dependence on elective CS for maintaining its unique characteristics.

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

“…The higher visiting frequencies of veterinarians on beef and mixed farms compared to dairy farms in Belgium can be explained by the presence of Belgian Blue cattle on these farms. This is a breed of cattle characterized by a double-muscled phenotype and by consequence a caesarean section for routine management of parturition (Kolkman et al, 2012). When professional visitors frequently enter the herd (and have direct contact with animals), adequate biosecurity measures such as herd-specific protective clothing and boots and/or well-maintained disinfection footbaths should be provided (Villarroel et al, 2007;Nöremark et al, 2013).…”

Clinical applicability of external and internal body dimensions in predicting dystocia in late‐gestation Holstein‐Friesian heifers

“…In the evaluated heifers, the increase in inner pelvic width and height was similar in groups UC and VA. In the work of Kolkman et al (2012), greater differences in inner pelvic height than inner pelvic width were observed between cows calving per vaginum and those delivering by caesarean section. In our study, inner pelvic height was greater than inner pelvic width, which points to lateral stenosis of the birth canal.…”

Berat Lahir dan Mortalitas Anak Sapi Belgian Blue dari Rumpun Resipien dan Ketinggian Tempat Berbeda

“…Disamping keunggulannya, Cieploch et al (2017) dan Bouyer et al (2014) melaporkan kelemahan sapi DM antara lain kaki bagian kecil (tidak proporsional dengan besar tubuh), tulang patah dan lemah, sindrom klinis (penyakit pernapasan, urolithiasis, alveolar hypoxia, hypoxemia) dan dystocia. Menurut Kolkman et al (2010) sebanyak 90-95% kelahiran anak sapi BB melalui operasi Caesar baik anak yang berasal dari induk sapi BB murni dengan kawin alam atau melalui transfer embrio disebabkan oleh berat lahir yang besar dan bentuk tulang pinggul anak yang lebih besar sehingga mengalami kesulitan beranak alami (Kolkman et al 2012).…”

“…Kematian anak sapi BB dalam penelitian ini disebabkan oleh pneumonia, diare, kejang dan demam tinggi. Kolkman et al (2012) melaporkan tingkat kematian sapi BB sampai umur pra-sapih sebesar 12,5% dimana umumnya disebabkan oleh infeksi penyakit seperti pneumonia, diare dan kebersihan lingkungan.…”