Abstract
Up to one-third of dairy calves are born after dystocia and this is a major cause of calf mortality. This
study investigated the neonatal physiology, survival, health and subsequent growth of dairy calves following
dystocia and is the first longitudinal study to analyse multiple effects and to look beyond the perinatal
period.
A total of 455 live born Holstein calves (N: No assistance, n = 360; FN: Farmer assistance but normally
presented calf, n = 82; FM: Farmer assistance of malpresented calf, n = 13) were followed from birth to
first service (heifers) or until leaving the farm (bulls). Compared to N calves, FN and FM animals had
higher salivary cortisol concentrations at day 1 (P < 0.001) and FN calves had lower passive immune
transfer (P = 0.03). Dystocia had no biologically significant impact on rectal temperature throughout
the first 4 days (P > 0.05). During the first 60 days, FM calves had a higher proportion of days with
non-routine health treatments (P < 0.05) and, by the time of weaning, mortality in FN and FM heifers
was higher than in N calves (2.8 ; P < 0.01). However, in surviving calves, growth to first service was
not affected by dystocia category (P > 0.05).
Calves which survive dystocia experience lower passive immunity transfer, higher mortality and higher
indicators of physiological stress. Such calves have poorer welfare in the neonatal period and possibly
beyond. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the subsequent health and welfare of such calves
and to lower the incidence of dystocia.
2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 86 - 90 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Veterinary Journal |
Volume | 195 |
Publication status | First published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Calving ease
- Dairy calf
- Mortality
- Parturition
- Welfare