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Calving in Montana Minimizing Calving Difficulty

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Causes of Dystocia

Causes of Dystocia Factors Affecting Size and Shape of Calf Factors Affecting the Ability of the Dam to Give Birth Interaction of the Above

Age of Dam First Calf Heifers Account for the Majority of Calving Problems Dystocia Decreases Steadily Until Full Maturity

Calf’s Birth Weight The Major Factor Causing Problems Heritability = 48% Use BW as a Selection Criteria when Purchasing Bulls Consider the Bull Physical Appearance

Dam’s Pelvic Area Researchers Disagree on the Importance of this Trait Pelvic Measurements have Limited Usefulness on an Individual Basis—10 cm2 increase in PE brings a 2 lb increase in BW (Ft. Keogh) Pelvic Area Only Determines Maximum Birth Weight Should be viewed as a threshold trait—cull heifers that fall below a certain minimum pelvic area Remember-       in PE leads to        in mature cow size

Dam’s Pelvic Area vs. Birth Weight

Sex of Calf Bull Calves Generally Outweigh Heifer Calves Generally bull calves have 1-2 day greater gestation length Higher mortality rate in bull calves than heifer calves No difference in mortality when assistance is given

Size of Dam/Breed of Dam Body size (frame) is highly correlated to pelvic area Larger heifers = larger PE = less dystocia Little dystocia variation between breeds with the exception of Jersey and Brahman

Breed of Sire Traditionally British breeds have been used on first calf heifers As producers have emphasized size and growth rate, many British bulls are producing large BW calves Selecting replacements out of low BW sires can lead to lower mature size Place emphasis on multiple trait sires (low BW, adequate WW and YW)

Gestation Length Indirect effect on dystocia BW increases .3 - .8 lbs/day It’s possible to select for gestation length but selecting for growth and BW is more efficient (MARC) Monitor late calving cows & cull outliers Shorter gestation = earlier cycling = earlier rebreeding

Condition of Dam Evaluate body condition prior to last trimester Separate BCS 4 or less and feed separately Goal is to have all mature cows in BCS 5 and   1st calf heifers at BCS 6

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Dam Exercise Increase muscle tone = easier calving Direct benefit depends on previous shape & condition of cattle

Nutrition of Dam You cannot starve calving difficulty out of cows! Birth weight can be reduced but calving difficulty is increased when cow nutrition is limited Underfeeding cows will delay estrus

Cow Nutrition - Energy

Cow Nutrition - Energy

Cow Nutrition – Energy Requirements Weaned Heifer Calves – 8-12 lbs TDN/day Pregnant 2-yr olds – 9-13 lbs TDN/day Mature Pregnant Cows – 8-12 lbs TDN/day

Cow Nutrition -- Protein Heifers and Cows fed adequate protein Maintain pre-calving BCS Maintain BCS after calving Rebreed sooner Wean heavier calves

Cow Nutrition – Protein Requirements Heifers last 1/3 pregnancy – 8.2 - 9.8% CP Mature Cows last 1/3 pregnancy – 7.6 - 8.2% CP Over feeding Protein = Economic Waste

Feeding Time Several studies show that cows fed at night are more apt to calve during the daylight hours

Developing Replacements Rule of Thumb 65% of mature weight at 1st breeding 85% of mature weight at 1st calving Weigh heifers occasionally Too thin = Reduced cycling/breeding Too fat = Reduced lifetime productivity

Heifer Development

Summary Consider breed, birth weight EPD, actual BW and physical structure of bull when making mating decisions Maintain adequate condition on all animals Feed heifers to weigh 85% of mature weight at calving Use pelvic measurements if dystocia is a problem

Summary Do not retain daughters of cows that have a record of calving difficulty Begin breeding heifers 21-30 days earlier than cows Feed late in the day to increase daytime births Record calving ease

Calving Management

Equipment for Calving Calf Puller OB Chains Head Snare Pig Snare Disinfectant Bucket Towels Alcohol Epinephrine Iodine Antiseptics Tail Rope Halter Warm Water Curry Comb Proper Facilities

When should I assist? Early is better than late Dams given assistance have: Reduction in postpartum interval Higher percentage in estrus at beginning of breeding season Require fewer services per conception Increased fall pregnancy rate Heavier calves at weaning

First Stage of Labor Varies among individuals Picking at feed Signs of Colic Vocalizations Restless Back Arched Tail Raised May Have “First Bag” Uterine Contractions Start (10-15 min apart) Uterine Contractions are 3-5 min apart by end of 1st stage 1st Stage may last from 6-24 hrs. Check if no progress is made.

Second Stage of Labor Active Abdominal Pushing Some Part of the Fetus is in Pelvic Canal or is Protruding from the Vagina Delivery of Calf 2nd Stage can last from 30 min to 4 hrs in “normal cow” Check pelvic canal if no progress is made in 20-30 min

Third Stage of Labor Expulsion of the Uterine Membranes Normally takes ½ to 8 hrs

Examining the Parturient Cow Check Cervical Dilation Twisted Birth Canal Fetal Parts in Canal Presence of Meconium Size/Conformation & Angle of Canal Signs of Live/Dead Fetus Tongue Tone Blink Reflex Suckle Reflex Meconium Smell Loose Hair/Teeth

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After Assistance Make sure calf nurses – needs 1-2 qts of colostrum within 1 hour of birth Natural colostrum from your herd is superior to commercial products Ear-tag, dehorn, castrate Records Other veterinarian recommended procedures

Facilities Safe for both animal and human Clean Efficient Ability to warm calves Ability to monitor without interference Move healthy pairs to clean pasture

Vaccinations Consult with your veterinarian Follow label directions Choice of vaccine depends on Herd disease history Management factors Veterinarian’s experience and success rates in your specific area

Vaccinations for Replacement Heifers Brucellosis – 4-12 months of age BVD BRSV-IBR-PI3 Trichomoniasis Vibriosis Enterotoxemia Coronavirus (scours) Rotavirus (scours) E-coli (scours) OTHERS??

Vaccinations for Mature Cows BVD BRSV-IBR-PI3 Trichomoniasis Vibriosis Enterotoxemia Coronavirus (scours) Rotavirus (scours) E-coli (scours) Vitamin AD OTHERS??

Vaccinations for Bulls BVD BRSV-IBR-PI3 Leptospirosis Trichomoniasis Vibriosis