Effect of calving supervision upon the calving performance of Hereford heifers

The calving performance of 268 two-year-old Hereford heifers was studied in 2 commercial herds and at a research station to compare supervision and non-supervision during calving. Supervision in the 3 herds involved twice-daily paddock inspections of calving heifers using a vehicle and the provision of obstetrical aid to those in difficulty. The unsupervised controls were inspected once weekly and were not assisted. The supervised heifers experienced a higher incidence of live-natural births and fewer dead calves compared with the unsupervised heifers. Dam survival rates were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased in all supervised treatments. Calving supervision was justified by higher survival of both heifers and calves as well as humans considerations. It was endorsed as a worthwhile management practice in commercial herds with significant levels of dystocia in calving heifers.