Systematic Control of Genital Infections in Herds 699 



at a glance when each pregnant cow is due to calve. In 

 non-pregnant cows not yet ready to breed, the duration of 

 time since last calving is shown, and, in cows which are be- 

 ing bred, the date when the next estrum is due, giving an 

 opportunity for close watch. 



(2) When pregnancy terminates (parturition or abor- 

 tion) , the genital health of the animal should receive atten- 

 tion. The uterus should be examined shortly afterward. If 

 the afterbirth is retained or the animal has aborted, handling 

 should begin at once. If parturition has been apparently 



ESTRUM AND SERVICE RECORD Herd No 



Name of Animal 



Year of Birth Ltxst pregnancy terminated 



Dates of Estrum *" and Service for year 



Estimating the duration of pregnancy at 280 days animal ehould calve 

 Pregnancy from above service terminated 



( Abortion 

 Result < BuU Calf 

 ( Heifer Calf 



( 1 ) WhcD ia eatmm bat doI tervtd write day of mcmtli in ( 



Disponal ) •" kerd a» No. 

 of } Died 

 CU ) Sold 



Fig. 213.— Estrum and Service Index Card for Keeping 

 Breeding Records. 



normal, the examination may be deferred until ten to twenty 

 days post partum. In my experience, however, I find large 

 volumes of tarry blood with a flaccid, much enlarged uterus 

 at three to four days post partum, and this regularly ends 

 in a mild pyometra not recognizable clinically except when 

 the uterus is examined by douching. If the tarry exudate is 

 recognized, the pyometra can be anticipated and evaded. In 

 herds where metritis and retained fetal membranes are com- 

 mon, it is preferable to assume that metritis is impending in 

 all cows and to introduce capsules of iodoform or boric acid 



