20 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



rather corroborating this view. In fact, microscopical exam- 

 ination reveals a close similarity with the skin. These 

 plaques are most numerous about the amniotic portion of 

 the umbilical cord. 



The external surface of the amnion is partly in contact 

 with the allantois, and laterally and at the back of the foetus 

 with the face of the chorion. If distended, it is of oval shape, 

 but depressed about the umbilicus, giving it a kidney or bean 

 shape (F. Lecoq). 



The liquor amnii during the first half of pregnancy in the 

 bovine is a thin, amber-colored liquid of alkaline reaction, 

 secreted by the internal face of the amnion. The quantity 

 increases up to the middle of pregnancy, to decrease from then 

 on. Its watery consistency up to the middle of pregnancy 

 changes into a mucoid, opalescent, stringy mass. 



Eobia (St. Oyr and Violet) gives the following composi- 

 tion : 



HsO 991-975 parts 



Chlorides, Carbonates, Calcium, Kali um and Natrium 



Sulphates 3.60-7.80 



Urea 2-3.50 



Kreatin, Kreatinin, Sugar and Fat traces of 



Albumen and Mucin «0.82-10.70 



The amount of liquor amnii at the time of birth amounts 

 up to 4 kg. (Franck). 



The liquor amnii often contains faeces of the foetus, mecon- 

 ium giving the liquid a brownish tinge. Kohler found in the 

 liquor amnii of a cow, slaughtered on account of a calf too 

 large to be delivered, 84 compressed hairballs of a grayish- 

 white color. 



Van Klaveren (Holland) reports that he removed an 

 enormous calf (duration of pregnancy, 365 days). After 

 embryotomy he irrigated the uterus, flushing out loose hair 

 and nine hairballs of 5 to 6 cm. diameter. The second day 

 after parturition he again found seven balls ; the third day 

 five balls and some more loose hair. In all probability this 

 case is analogous with Kohler's. 



