Studies on Dystocia and Birth Weight in Angus Heifers Calving at Two Years of Age

Summary A trial is described in which groups of Angus heifers mated as yearlings were maintained on two widely differing nutritional levels during the last third of gestation in order to study effects on birth weight of calves and dystocia. The different nutritional levels produced a 5 lb difference in birth weight of calves (P < 0.01). As the calving season advanced the mean calf birth weight increased by 1.4 lb every ten days (P < 0.01). Heifers that suffered dystocia had calves 7 lb heavier and pelves 15.6 sq cm smaller than heifers calving normally (P < 0.01). Following observations on the birth process it was concluded that uncomplicated birth is complicated within two hours following the appearance of the amniotic sac.