Correlation between the estimation of the gestational age by rectal palpation and the actual gestation age in the cow

Abstract

The correlation between the estimated time of gestation by rectal palpation and the actual gestation time in cattle was determined. Sixteen farms were selected and visited every 8-10 weeks to perform the gestation diagnoses. Data were obtained from 2,204 cows; 1,349 were commercial Zebu and 855 dual purpose. The gestation diagnoses were performed and by a single professional without knowledge of the dates of service. The minimum service time for the diagnosis of gestation by rectal palpation was 30 days, the maximum of 290 days. Pearson correlation was performed between the time estimated by rectal palpation and the real time of gestation of the animals. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there is a high correlation between the estimation of gestational age by rectal palpation and the actual gestational age of the animals. A decrease in this correlation was also observed between 150-240 days and increased again after 240 days of gestation.

Keywords

• Diagnóstico de gestación
• palpación rectal
• vaca.