Dystocia in cattle: effects on the calf

摘要

A difficult birth can negatively impact the health, performance and survival of dairy calves, so reducing overall levels and severity of dystocia is important to animal welfare as well as to the economics of the farm.On any dairy farm, the birth of a calf marks the start of the productive period of lactation. At this time, most farmers are focused on the health and productivity of their lactating cows. This is clearly very important, but it is also important not to overlook the health and wellbeing of the calves, as some of these animals will eventually enter the milking herd. In calves, respiratory and digestive disorders are major health and welfare problems. However, this article will describe the findings of a series of studies investigating the effect of a dystocial birth on the health, growth and welfare of dairy calves.