Livestock

Twin Pregnancies in Cattle: Welfare and Management

How twin pregnancies create welfare risks for dams and calves and how management helps.

Key Facts

Twin pregnancies in cattle dramatically increase risk of dystocia, retained placenta, and uterine prolapse
Freemartins — female calves from opposite-sex twins — are infertile in 92% of cases
Twin-bearing dams require closer monitoring approaching parturition
Body condition management before and during twin pregnancy affects welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Twin pregnancies impose significant welfare risk on both dam and calves — dystocia risk is much higher, and retained placenta is common after twinning. Welfare-focused management identifies twin pregnancies early through ultrasonography, increases monitoring frequency as parturition approaches, and has additional veterinary support available. Prompt intervention reduces welfare harm to both cow and calves.

What You Can Do

Identify twin pregnancies through mid-pregnancy ultrasound scanning
Increase monitoring frequency for twin-bearing cows in the final 2 weeks of pregnancy
Ensure veterinary support is available at parturition for twin-bearing cows