The length of gestation in cattle is 275 days and in sheep it is 147 days.
A few days either side of these is acceptable.
If early death of the foetus occurs inside the mother, then it is likely that the tiny foetus will be reabsorbed into the uterus lining leaving no trace. However, if the foetus is expelled from the uterus before full term, then this is called an abortion.
This session will look at the major causes of abortion in cattle and sheep.
At the end of this session you will be able to:
- Name the main causes of abortion in cattle
- Name the main causes of abortion in sheep
- Explain the consequences of abortion in the herd or flock.
Word version
