Effects of Advanced Producer Training and Technology on Cattle Mortality During Dystocia

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate what variables may be more significant on farms in reducing both fetal and maternal mortality due to dystocia. Data on risk factors likely to impact cattle mortality were collected from a written herd questionnaire to determine farm management practices linked to cattle reproduction and the mortality related to dystocia. The questionnaire contained 16 questions grouped in the study. The survey contained qualitative and quantitative questions.  The design utilized multiple data points with calving factors, age of dam, birth weight, sex of calf, breeds, heifers, cows, body condition, advanced beef producer training of recognition of impending labor, calf death, and dam death. Twenty-seven livestock producers from the state of Tennessee completed the questionnaire. The mean average herd size included 39 cows at reproductive age. The results showed labor detection technology and advanced training helped to reduce the herd mortality percentage. Cattle producers who place value on educating themselves and their workers can make their farms more efficient and profitable by making better on-farm decisions and implementing available technologies.