Some observations on the use of two corticosteroid preparations for the induction of premature calving
O'Farrell, K.J.; Crowley, J.P.
Veterinary Record 94(16): 364-366
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4473855 Document Number: 80144
35 cows were treated with dexamethasone trimethylacetate (TMA) or TMA + prednisolone (TMA + P) at times varying from day 240 to day 271 of pregnancy. The response to both treatments was very variable, calving occurring 7-24 days after TMA treatment and 5-31 days after TMA + P. The unpredictability of the outcome is a major limitation on the usefulness of the procedure. There was a high incidence of stillbirths and neonatal losses among calves. In 20 of the 35 treated animals, udder filling and vulval swelling developed some 10 days after treatment, and in 8 animals the degree of udder filling was so extensive it was thought necessary to milk the animals prior to calving. The incidence of stillbirths in this group of animals was very high. The subsequent breeding performance of the treated animals was not adversely affected.