ystocia, or difficult calving, re
mains one of the most significant
reproductive challenges in beef
and dairy herds. While its imme
diate effects on calf survival are
well recognized, dystocia also has
lasting consequences for the cow’s
health and future fertility. Under
standing these impacts is essential
for producers aiming to maintain
high reproductive efficiency and a
consistent calf crop.
UNDERSTANDING DYSTOCIA
Dystocia occurs when a cow or
heifer is unable to deliver a calf
without assistance. Common caus
es include calf malpresentation, fe
topelvic disproportion, and mater
nal issues such as uterine torsions.
In many herds, dystocia accounts
for a substantial portion of calf
losses and is second only to re
breeding failure in reducing overall
productivity.
EFFECTS ON THE COW
The calving process places sig
nificant physical demands on the
dam, and dystocia amplifies these
stresses. Cows experiencing diffi
cult births are more likely to suffer
BOVINE DYSTOCIA
AND ITS IMPACT ON REBREEDING
Health & Reproduction questions answered and explained.
Veterinarian View
contributed article by Dr. Joshua Beutler, DVM
Pender Veterinary Clinic, Pender, Neb.
penderveterinaryclinic.com
for appropriate implantation.
Because reproductive efficiency
is a major driver of herd profitabili
ty, even a small increase in dystocia
rates can have long term economic
consequences.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Reducing dystocia begins long
before calving. Proper heifer de
velopment, such as pelvic measur
ing and palpation, is a great start.
I personally prefer tract scoring at
this time as well to help eliminate
free martins and other non-breeders
earlier than the breeding cycle. Sire
selection also plays a critical role.
During calving season, close ob
servation and timely intervention
are key. Early assistance, with clean
equipment and OB sleeves, reduces
the likelihood of trauma and im
proves outcomes for both cow and
calf.
After calving, producers should
monitor cows for signs of retained
placenta, appetite, activity level,
fever, foul odor, or abnormal dis
trauma to the reproductive tract
such as tearing, hemorrhaging, re
tained placenta, and other potential
injuries like nerve damage.
Not yet mentioned, one of the
most common secondary compli
cations associated with dystocia
is uterine infection. Many of these
complications delay uterine invo
lution and slow the cow’s return to
normal reproductive function. Se
vere cases may result in permanent
reproductive impairment.
Additionally, cows recovering
from dystocia often experience
greater metabolic strain. Exhaus
tion, inflammation, and reduced
feed intake can extend the postpar
tum anestrous period, making it
more difficult for the cow to resume
cycling in time for the next breed
ing season.
CONSEQUENCES FOR REBREEDING
Cows with delayed uterine recov
ery or persistent infection may not
exhibit estrus early enough to main
tain a 365-day calving interval.
Even when bred, conception rates
are often lower due to inflammation
or tissue damage that doesn’t allow
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February 2026 | THE STOCKMAN AG-EXTRA