Preventing the negative effects of dystocia on the newborn calf

摘要

Up to a third of dairy calves are born following dystocia. Dystocia can cause foetal trauma due to traction on legs and pressure on the body during pulling and while passing through a tight birth canal. As a result, rib fracture, haemorrhages and liver rupture are common. In addition, calves may suffer from hypoxia and subsequent acidosis due to early rupture of the umbilical cord. After they have been born, they have to adapt quickly to a much colder environment, while the body is struggling to maintain homeostasis. Above all that, they start life with an important deadline: the need to suckle colostrum within four hours in order to aid in the prevention of disease and death.