Case Report – Diagnosing twin pregnancies in Holstein cows

Abstract

Cattle are capable of carrying twins to term, and the pregnancy can be unicornual or bicornual. Risk factors associated with twinning include genetics, breed, parity, ovulation rate and milk production. Methods such as palpation per rectum and transrectal ultrasonography can be used to diagnose twin pregnancies in cattle. This case report demonstrates the usefulness of transrectal ultrasonography for early detection of twin pregnancies between 55 and 83 days of gestation over an approximately two-year period (2001-2003), and provides information on the outcome of 64 cows (case population) randomly identified with twin pregnancies. Of the 64 cows, 48 (75%) animals delivered twins, one (1.6%) animal delivered a single calf, 13 (20.3%) cows aborted the pregnancy and two (3.1%) animals died prior to calving. This study should support the importance of accurately diagnosing and understanding outcomes of twin pregnancies in cattle. Further research is warranted to better understand the dynamics surrounding twin pregnancies in cattle.