Risk Factors Associated with Dystocia in Romanian Spotted Cows

Abstract

The aim of the current research was to determine the risk factors associated to dystocia in 400 Romanian Spotted cows. Calf sex, season of calving, dam’s parity, productive level and the type of birth were related to the incidence of dystocia. Calf sex was not associated to the incidence of dystocia, with no significant effect (25.25 vs. 22.25% for males and females, respectively, P>0.52). Season of calving had no significant effect on dystocia, comparable incidences of dystocia in the summer and winter seasons (26 vs. 20.5%, P>0.2) being recorded. A comparable incidence of dystocia was obtained according to cow's parity (27 vs. 23.5%, P>0.475) in primiparous and multiparous animals. High producing cows experienced a higher incidence of dystocia compared to lower producing cows (37.75 vs. 22.25%, P≤0.018). The twin pregnancies were the major factor related to dystocia in cows, causing a higher prevalence of dystocia compared to single (39.25 vs. 19.5%, P≤0.001). Concluding, the production level and type of birth were the main risk factors for dystocia. The sex of calves, the season of birth and the parity had no influence on dystocia incidence, conversely to other studies. In this respect, additional studies should be performed in order to include other factors and validate their influential level.

Keywords

• cow
• dystocia
• risk factors
• romanian spotted