RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SIGNS OF CALVING AN D THE STEROID-HORMONE PROFILES

In 9 Holstein-Friesian heifers and 14 Holstein-Friesian cows a special external obstetric examination was performed during the last 263 hour s of pregnancy. In this examination were considered the relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments, swelling of the vulva, development, fillin g, and edema of the udder. Furthermore, the vaginal and rectal tempera ture was measured, and the plasma levels of total oestrogens, progeste rone, and total glucocorticoids were determined.Evaluation of the data showed a positive correlation between total oestrogens and relaxation of the broad ligaments. The animals showing medium degrees of relaxat ion of the pelvic ligaments already 22 hours ante partum had the highe st average oestrogen values (4.83 ng/ml) in the last 96 hours ante par tum. By comparison, the group in which the relaxation only occurred in the last 6 hours ante partum had oestrogen values that were an averag e of 1.68 ng/ml lower.