The impact of dystocia on dairy calf health,welfare, performance and survival |
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| Authors: | A.C. Barrier M.J. Haskell S. Birch A. Bagnall D.J. Bell J. Dickinson A.I. Macrae C.M. Dwyer |
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| Affiliation: | 1. SAC (Scottish Agricultural College), King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK;2. Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service, Division of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;1. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada;2. National Veterinary Institute, Norway;3. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, BC, Canada;1. Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan;2. Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan;3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan;1. University of Technology and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and General Animal Breeding, Poland;2. University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Cattle Breeding and Milk Quality Evaluation, Poland;1. SAC (Scottish Agricultural College), King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK;2. Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service, Division of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;1. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran;2. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, 68159 Lorestan, Iran;1. AFRICOR Lugo, Ronda de Fingoi, 117, 27002 Lugo, Spain;2. Institute of Food Analysis and Research (Animal Health and Epidemiology Unit), Veterinary Faculty of Lugo, Santiago de Compostela University, Campus Universitario, 27002 Lugo, Spain;3. Anatomy and Animal Production Department, Veterinary Faculty of Lugo, Santiago de Compostela University, Campus Universitario, 27002 Lugo, Spain |
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| Abstract: | Up to one-third of dairy calves are born after dystocia and this is a major cause of calf mortality. This study investigated the neonatal physiology, survival, health and subsequent growth of dairy calves following dystocia and is the first longitudinal study to analyse multiple effects and to look beyond the perinatal period.A total of 455 live born Holstein calves (N: No assistance, n = 360; FN: Farmer assistance but normally presented calf, n = 82; FM: Farmer assistance of malpresented calf, n = 13) were followed from birth to first service (heifers) or until leaving the farm (bulls). Compared to N calves, FN and FM animals had higher salivary cortisol concentrations at day 1 (P < 0.001) and FN calves had lower passive immune transfer (P = 0.03). Dystocia had no biologically significant impact on rectal temperature throughout the first 4 days (P > 0.05). During the first 60 days, FM calves had a higher proportion of days with non-routine health treatments (P < 0.05) and, by the time of weaning, mortality in FN and FM heifers was higher than in N calves (2.8×; P < 0.01). However, in surviving calves, growth to first service was not affected by dystocia category (P > 0.05).Calves which survive dystocia experience lower passive immunity transfer, higher mortality and higher indicators of physiological stress. Such calves have poorer welfare in the neonatal period and possibly beyond. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the subsequent health and welfare of such calves and to lower the incidence of dystocia. |
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