Timing of early foetal loss for single and twin pregnancies in dairy cattle

The incidence of early foetal loss is increasing under intensive management systems for dairy cattle. The aims of the present study were to determine whether there is any peak period of pregnancy loss during the early foetal period and to evaluate possible differences between single and twin pregnancies. The study population consisted of 1442 pregnant cattle from a single herd. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between 36 and 42 days after insemination, and then weekly until day 90 of gestation or until pregnancy loss. A total of 13 10 cows (90.8%) bore single embryos and 132 (9.2%) carried twins. Pregnancy loss was registered in 139 (9.6%) cows before day 90 of pregnancy: 101 (7.7%) in single and 38 (28.8%) in twin pregnancies. The average time of pregnancy loss for all animals was 58.4 +/- 12.6 days and ranged from 45 to 90 days. Seventy-five per cent of the pregnancy losses were registered between 45 and 60 days of gestation. The average time of pregnancy loss for cows with singletons was 52.1 +/- 4.1 days and ranged from 45 to 61 days and that for those with twins was 75.1 +/- 12.4 days and ranged from 46 to 90 days. Seventy-five per cent of the twin pregnancy losses were registered between 68 and 90 days of gestation. Our data show that the foetal loss in singleton pregnancies occurs earlier than in twin pregnancies. Assessment of normal development of gestation on days 60 and 90 after insemination is suggested.