Table 1.
Use of different clinical signs during the preparatory stage of cattle for a parturition scoring system [35].
| Clinical Signs | Parturition Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments | Firm, no-marginal relaxation 0 to 20% |
Mildly softened up to 50% |
Totally softened, but palpable up to 100% |
Totally softened, not palpable 100% |
| Secretion of vaginal mucous a | None | Slight <10 cm long diameter <1 cm |
Moderate >10 cm long diameter <1 cm |
Extensive >10 cm long diameter >1 cm |
| Physiological hyperplasia of the udder | Empty, small palpable | Slightly filled | Partially filled | Totally filled, enlarged, not palpable |
| Edema of the udder | None | On the base | Entire udder | Including the abdomen |
| Filling of the teats | Flaccid None |
Slightly filled ∼25% |
Moderately filled ∼50% |
Completely filled ∼100% |
| Relaxation of the tail b | No flexibility | 45°∼90° | 90°∼120° | 120°∼180° |
| Edema of the vulva a | Strongly folded, no Edema | Moderately folded, mild Edema | Mildly folded, moderate Edema | Not folded, high Edema, redness of inner mucosa |
a The tail has to be lifted to evaluate the vaginal mucous and edema of the vulva. b The relaxation of the tail is tested by flexing the last third of the tail. The degree of flexure without any defense reaction should be estimated.