Difficult calvings cause significant pain to cows and calves and are a major welfare concern across both beef and dairy sectors. Preventive genetics and management can dramatically reduce the incidence.
Dystocia causes severe pain to both cow and calf. Cows in extended difficult labour show physiological and behavioural indicators of extreme distress including repeated straining, vocalisation and prostration. Calves delivered after prolonged dystocia suffer from hypoxia that can cause permanent neurological damage, and a proportion die despite delivery. The welfare cost of preventable dystocia resulting from breeding decisions that prioritise growth over ease of calving is substantial. Stockpeople who delay seeking veterinary assistance out of reluctance to incur costs impose additional avoidable suffering. Proactive calving supervision protocols with clear intervention thresholds are essential welfare management tools.