1. Gestation This presentation is from Virginia Tech and has not been edited by Georgia Curriculum Office.
The act or process of having young develop in the uterus; pregnancy
Simplified
The period of pregnancy

2. Gestation Length Cattle: 270 days-289 days Average: 279 days
approximately 9 months

3. Gestation Length Horses: 305 days-380 days 335 average
approximately 11 months
<320 days = premature
<300 days = nonviable (usually)

4. Gestation Length Sheep: 145 days - 150 days average 147 days
approximately 5 months

5. Factors Affecting Gestation Length
Breed
Season
Sex of embryo
Number of fetuses
Nutrition

6. Early Gestation
Feed to maintain BCS of 5 or 6
Same as maintenance

7. Mid Gestation Nutrient Requirements similar to Early Gestation.
Watch Carefully!!

8. Late Gestation Maintain BCS 60% fetal weight gain
Protein, Mineral, Vitamin requirements increase.