Induction of parturition in cattle with corticosteroids: An analysis of field trials

Extract Prolonged gestation in cattle is characterized by abnormalities in the foetal pituitary and adrenal glands (Kennedy et al., 1967 Kennedy, P. C., Liggins, G. C. and Holm, L. W. 1967. Comparative Aspects of Reproductive Failure, 186–193. New York: Springer-Verlag. In [Google Scholar]). Experimental verification of the crucial role of this endocrine axis in initiating parturition came from hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy of of foetal lambs (Liggins et al., 1967 Liggins, G. C., Kennedy, P. C. and Holm, L. 1967. Failure of initiation of parturition after electrocoagulation of the pituitary of the foetal lamb. Am. J. Obstet. Gynec, 98: 1080–1086. [Google Scholar]; Drost and Holm, 1968 Drost, M. and Holm, L.-W. 1968. Prolonged gestation in ewes after foetal adrenalectomy. J. Endocr., 40: 293–296. [Google Scholar]). Further studies extended the concept by showing that cortisol, dexamethasone and ACTH infusions could induce premature parturition in normal foetal lambs or induce parturition in hypophysectomized foetal lambs (Liggins, 1968 Liggins, G. C. 1968. Premature parturition after infusion of corticotrophin or cortisol into foetal lambs. J. Endocr., 42: 323–329. [Google Scholar]).