Dystocia Management for the Cow-Calf Producer

Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a concern for every cow/calf producer during calving season. Despite following best practices such as selecting sires for calving ease and pelvic measuring heifers, challenging deliveries still occur. Calves are the profit center of your operation, and losing even one calf is impactful, whether you have 5 cows or 500.

Prolonged births are more likely to result in weak or dead calves. Cows can also be negatively affected, including damage to pelvic nerves and increased risk of retained placenta. Appropriate intervention is the key to success. Once a water bag or feet are visible, it can take up to 2 hours for the calf to be born with a normal delivery. The cow should be actively progressing during this time.

There are two main categories of Dystocia:

1)        Maternal/fetal mismatch: The calf is too large for the size of the cow’s pelvis

2)         Malpresentation: The calf isn’t entering the birth canal in the correct position

If the calf is in a normal presentation, but too large for the cow to have without becoming exhausted, she will likely need assistance. You may see feet appearing at the vulva, but little to no progress over time. Sometimes the nose or even just the tongue will be out with the feet. If this occurs for a prolonged period, it can cause fluid buildup in the tongue, resulting in difficulty nursing once the calf is born. In these instances, pulling the calf to avoid prolonged labor results in less stress on both the cow and calf.  

If you only see one foot, the head and no feet, or even a tail, the calf is likely mal positioned in the birth canal. This can indicate a leg back or breech position. It is even possible to look like a normal presentation with 2 front feet emerging from the vulva, but the head down or back, obstructing the pelvic canal. In most instances of malpresentation, the cow is unable to deliver the calf without assistance. It can be difficult to correct the presentation of these calves. Veterinarians can administer an epidural to decrease the cow’s pushing and provide more room for the calf to be repositioned.

When should one intervene? We like to see progress every hour. So, if the calf is presenting normally, we can give the cow/heifer 30 minutes to an hour. However, if we are unsure how long the cow/heifer has been in labor, intervening sooner is wise. If we are suspicious (or certain) of a malpresentation, immediate intervention is warranted. The sooner we can get these calves out, the greater their chance for survival.

The calf is out, now what?

Colostrum intake promptly after birth is imperative to the health of all newborn calves. Calves that have been through a difficult labor are at a higher risk of developing health issues in the coming days and weeks. These calves are often weak and don’t want to get up and nurse. The first colostrum intake should be within 4 hours of birth, but ideally as soon as possible. If the calf is too lethargic or unable to nurse due to a swollen tongue, consider tubing the calf to ensure adequate colostrum is provided. Adequate, high-quality colostrum positively impacts the health of a calf throughout its lifetime.

It’s important to note that not all colostrum replacers are the same quality. There is also a difference between colostrum supplements and replacers, with replacers having a higher concentration of antibodies. 

Keeping calves in a clean, dry area reduces the risk of umbilical infections and scours. Iodine should be put on the umbilical cord after birth to prevent infection and help dry out the cord.

Always remember, your vets at Apogee are only a phone call away. We can help you assess the situation on the phone and are here to help if you need assistance pulling a calf or progressing to a C-section.