Question

What is parturition in animal production?

Answer 1

Parturition:

1. The process of delivering a fully grown fetus after completion of the normal gestation period from the female uterus is known as parturition.
2. There are several hormonal and muscular activities involved that facilitate normal parturition.
3. Oxytocin and cortisol are major hormones involved.
4. These hormones cause strong uterine contractions (fetal-ejection reflex) leading to relaxation of the cervix.

Stages of parturition:

1. Preparatory stage: During this stage, the female prepares to give birth.
2. Expulsion stage: During this stage, the uterine walls begin to contract more intensely with increased force, hence pushing the fetus into the birth canal.
3. Cleaning stage: After parturition, the afterbirth must be expelled from the uterus, failure of which can lead to serious illness and possible death of the mother.