induced parturition in cattle 1 clinical studies parturition was induced in 17 friesland heifers to decrease the possible occurrence of dystocia the heifers were given 39 mg dexamethasone intramuscularly on the 267th day of pregnancy and were observed for signs of impending parturition the time of foetal membrane expulsion was noted parturition occurred on an average of 57 hours after corticosteroid administration three heifers required assistance during parturition in one case a second injection of dexamethazone had to be given the incidence of retained placenta was 688 rectal examination five to seven months after induction revealed that 765 of all animals were again pregnant of the four nonpregnant animals three had received assistance during parturition