Relationships between the width of metacarpus or metatarsus and the birth weight in Holstein calves

Abstract

The widths of metacarpus and metatarsus of 187 Holstein calves immediately after birth were measured to estimate the birth weight and the dystocia of Holstein calves to the term pregnancy, and the relationships between the widths and the birth weight or dystocia were investigated. A positive correlation was recognized in the width of metacarpus and the birth weight of Holstein calves. In the width of metatarsus, a positive correlation was also recognized. The greater the width of metacarpus or metatarsus was, the greater the dystocia rate was increased. Therefore, our results indicate that birth weight and dystocia are able to be estimated by the measurement of the width of metacarpus or metatarsus.