Factors Affecting Time Intervals in Parturition in Beef Cattle

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Abstract
Birth traits of 68 Angus and 49 Charolais x Angus calves sired by four Angus and seven Charolais bulls, respectively, were studied. Timed intervals during the calving process were compared between breed of sire groups. The Charolais sired calves required an average of 3.7 min longer from the first appearance of the water bag until the feet were first visible; 8.1 min longer (P<.01) from the time the feet were visible until the head was out; and 1.6 min longer (P<.05) from the time the head was out until the calf was delivered. The average total calving time was 30 min for Angus and 43.9 min for Charolais sired calves (P<01). Differences among sires within breed were found in minutes from the first appearance of the water bag until the feet were first visible and in calf birth weight. Gestation length was 4.5 days longer (P<.05) and birth weight was 5.0 kg heavier (P<01) for the Charolais sired calves. Gestation length and birth weight were correlated in both the Charolais and Angus sired calves (.41 and .37, respectively). The length of each of the first two intervals was correlated with birth weight in the Charolais sired calves. The time from appearance of water bag to feet showing was a good indicator of total calving time in both breed of sire groups (r = .85). Total calving time ranged from 9 to 82 min for Angus and 12 to 110 min for Charolais sired calves. Copyright © 1976. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1976 by American Society of Animal Science.

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