Calving: When to Call for Help

By Dr. Christine Navarre, LSU AgCenter

Difficult birth is called dystocia. It occurs when labor is interrupted or prolonged and cannot be completed without external assistance. Fetal-Pelvic Incompatibility (calf is too large) causes 90% of dystocias. The negative consequences of dystocias to both the cow/heifer and calf can be minimized with appropriate and early intervention.