Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Economic cost of difficult calvings in the United Kingdom dairy herd.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- McGuirk, B J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Genus Breeding · United Kingdom
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the financial impact of difficult calvings (when cows have trouble giving birth) on dairy farms in the UK. Researchers found that when calvings were slightly difficult, the costs could reach about £110, while seriously difficult calvings could cost between £350 and £400, depending on veterinary expenses. The biggest expenses came from the extra labor needed during delivery, longer times before cows could breed again, and the losses from cows and calves that died or were removed from the herd. Overall, the findings highlight how challenging births can significantly affect a farm's finances.
Abstract
Information on the losses associated with lower milk production and reproductive performance, as well as information from a survey of uk dairy herds using beef semen was used to estimate the economic importance of calving difficulties in uk dairy herds. The survey covered information on cow and calf mortality, cow culling and the need for veterinary assistance, the incidences of which were related to the degree of calving difficulty experienced. The total cost of a slightly difficult calving was estimated to be approximately 110 pounds, and of a seriously difficult calving between 350 pounds and 400 pounds, depending on assumptions of the veterinary costs. However, the major costs were associated with the labour required at the delivery, the increase in the number of days open, and the costs associated with the deaths of cows and calves, and cow culling.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18024923/