A modified method for complete bovine fetotomy.
A modification of the "Utrecht technique" for complete bovine fetotomy was developed. In cranial presentation, the first step is decapitation, then oblique indirect section through the neck and thorax to remove 1 forelimb with a small part of the thoracic wall. This is followed by thoracic and abdominal evisceration. The final step is direct oblique section of the fetal pelvis or, alternatively, deep detruncation followed by bisection of the pelvis. In caudal presentation, the first step is removal of a hindlimb, then abdominal and thoracic evisceration, followed by thoracic detruncation and oblique section for removal of 1 forelimb and most of the remaining thorax. The neck and remaining forelimb are removed together to complete the procedure.
D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000196:embryology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy