Calving with special attention to the natural process in regard to reproduction, milk production and animal rights
Marx, D.; Grunert, E.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 95(7): 301-303
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 3053097 Document Number: 326060
Herd records of two large cattle herds run on the principles of natural calving, showed that, during the last 25 years, of 3582 parturitions, 9% required considerable assistance including obstetrical surgery, 16% light traction, and the remaining 75% calved normally without any intervention. The latter group showed the lowest rate of placental retention, puerperal uterine conditions and disturbances of the oestrous cycle, the highest milk fat production in the first 100 days post partum, and satisfactory fertility. These parameters were significantly better than in the former two groups. An unjustifiable early interference with calving is usually made because of a prolonged dilatation phase, pain experienced by the calving animal, concern for the calf's life, the fear of obstetrical complications in primiparous animals, the assumption that there is a relatively large fetus and the habit of an indiscriminate use of traction. These lead to economic losses, apart from unnecessary interference with the animal.