Dystocia (difficult calving) causes severe suffering for cows and calves, with prevention through genetic and management approaches reducing welfare burden.
Dystocia causes acute pain and potentially fatal injury for both cow and calf. Prolonged, unassisted dystocia over hours causes increasing trauma. Prevention through breed selection for calving ease, combined with round-the-clock supervision enabling timely intervention, is the welfare imperative. Pain relief during interventions should be standard.