Abstract
The present study was primarily carried out to trace the behavioral, physiological and adrenal changes during the first stage of labour in cases of dystocia, either in parturient buffalo heifers or cows and their clinical significance. Out of 118 investigated buffalo herds, 40 cows (dystocia = 20 and eutocia = 20) and 40 heifers (dystocia = 20 and eutocia = 20) were used in this study. Cows approaching actual birth were transferred to a calving box with straw bedding. The behavior of the studied animals was recorded from the time that the animal was moved to the calving box until the emergence of the foetal limbs in the vulval lips. If no progress in parturition was observed through two hours after the rupture of fetal sacs, a vaginal examination was carried out, and these cases were considered as suffering dystocia and needed help. By the emergence of the foetal limbs in the birth canal, animals were examined clinically to determine their average pulse rate, respiratory rate and their body temperature. Blood samples were collected to determine its cortisol level. Results of the present study indicated that dystocia was accompanied by increase in pain stress, disturbed physiological status of cows and heifers and cortisol levels. These more drastic changes in dystocia than eutocia should be included in the practical monitoring system of parturient animals. Moreover, observation and measuring of behavioral, physiological and adrenal elements should highlight the possibility of a calving problem during the first stage of labour.