Calving difficulty influences rumination time and inflammatory profile in Holstein dairy cows

Area of Science:

• Dairy Science
• Animal Health and Welfare
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Difficult calving (dystocia) negatively impacts dairy cow health and productivity.
• Maternal-fetal disproportion is a primary cause of dystocia in dairy cows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the dam-to-calf body weight ratio (D:C) on calving difficulty.
• To assess the effects of D:C on rumination time, lying time, and inflammatory markers in Holstein dairy cows.

Main Methods:

• 25 Holstein cows (9 primiparous, 16 pluriparous) were monitored from dry-off to 30 days in milk.
• Behavior (rumination, lying time) and blood samples (metabolism, inflammation) were collected; calvings were video-recorded.
• Cows were classified into Easy (E; D:C >17), Medium (M; 14 < D:C <17), and Difficult (D; D:C <14) based on D:C ratio.

Main Results:

• Class D cows experienced longer labor durations and higher calving assistance rates compared to M and E classes.
• Class D cows showed significantly reduced rumination time on calving day, the first week postpartum, and up to 30 days in milk.
• Class D cows exhibited altered inflammatory profiles and lower plasma fructosamine and creatinine levels post-calving.

Conclusions:

• A low D:C ratio is associated with increased calving difficulty, reduced rumination, and elevated inflammation, indicating compromised welfare.
• The D:C ratio can serve as a valuable predictive index for identifying cows at risk of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
• Utilizing the D:C ratio can aid farmers and veterinarians in proactive management to enhance cow welfare and health.