Stillbirth, dystocia and weaning rates in Australian dairy calves

Abstract: In a study spanning twenty years of calving records of Australian dairy cattle, stillbirths were observed in 7% of calvings, dystocia in 9% of calvings and 97% of heifers born alive survived to at least weaning age. Breed differences in stillbirth and weaning rate provide evidence that there may be a role for stillbirth and heifer livability EBVs to improve these metrics in Australia and complement the existing Calving Ease EBV for Holsteins. This study found that some Jersey animals experience dystocia which suggests a Calving Ease EBV for Jerseys may be helpful to reduce painful calving experiences and improve calf and cow survival and animal welfare.