How to Minimize the Impacts of Dystocia on the Health and Survival of Dairy Calves

 Take Home Messages  The most dramatic physiological changes occur during birth and death.  Calves born without assistance experience hypoxia (low arterial blood oxygen), acidosis, and frequently hypothermia. Dystocia calves experience the same changes but to a greater degree.  Dystocia has an immediate and prolonged effect on the health and productivity of calves.  Perinatal mortality due to dystocia accounts for about half of all calf deaths through weaning and is not due to infectious disease.  Simple interventions such as providing calves with mechanical breathing assistance, oxygen, colostrum, and a warm environment for the first few hours after birth can make the difference between life and death.  Dystocia monitoring should be implemented on every dairy farm.  Dystocia and subsequent perinatal mortality are major animal-welfare issues for the dairy industry.