What does oxytocin do during birth in livestock?

Oxytocin plays a crucial role during the birth process in livestock by causing contractions in the uterus. This hormone is released in response to the pressure of the fetus against the cervix as it prepares to be delivered. The contractions induced by oxytocin help to facilitate the labor process, enabling the smooth progression of the delivery.

Understanding the other options provides context to the importance of oxytocin during birth. While oxytocin is associated with increasing milk production, this effect is primarily related to post-birth milk letdown and not directly relevant to the birthing contractions. Additionally, oxytocin is not involved in stimulating ovulation, which is a distinct hormonal function managed by other hormones in the reproductive cycle. Promoting appetite is also unrelated to the role of oxytocin during childbirth. Therefore, the primary function of oxytocin during the birthing process is specifically to cause contractions, making it integral to the successful delivery of livestock.