Correlation of foetal body weight by coronet width measurement using ultrasonography in prepartum cows: a pilot study

This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of foetal body weight estimation by measuring foetal coronet width using transrectal ultrasonography in beef cows during near-term pregnancy. A characteristic 'gull wing' pattern was obtained from the foetal coronet cross-section from the dewclaw side using ultrasonography. This pattern was matched to the bone surface of the distal part of the middle phalanx. Then, the relationship between coronet width and body weight at birth of 22 Japanese Brown calves was analysed and a high correlation coefficient of 0.8965 (P < 0.001) was obtained. In conclusion, the coronet width of the fetus is depicted as a 'gull wing' hyperechoic structure and can be measured by ultrasonography per rectum during near-term pregnancy. This technique may be a useful tool to identify high-risk cows with dystocia before calving. High foetal coronet values may predispose cattle to dystocia.