Bovine Superfetation
Superfetation is a natural phenomenon that has been recorded in several different species, including the bovine. The purpose of this research was to investigate a case of possible superfetation in a cow. On March 15, 2004, a cow calved and produced an 85-90 pound calf. Forty days later, she calved again, producing a 65-pound calf. Both calves were born full term. DNA testing was performed to verify that both calves were from the same cow but sired by different bulls. Through a thorough investigation of hormone regulation and follicular waves during gestation a model of superfetation in the bovine was created. The main intent of this research was to report and examine the probable case of superfetation. After our thorough investigation, it can strongly be asserted that this is a case of bovine superfetation. After creating and examining a model of superfetation, further research such as profitability of artificial induction of superfetation in beef cattle and fetal hormone production was suggested
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Research Advisor:
Dr. Darrel Kesler
Department of Research Advisor:
Animal Sciences
Year of Publication:
2004