Dystocia (difficult or prolonged birth) is not as common today as in the past, according to Dr. Jennifer Pearson of the Department of Production Animal Health at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “Many producers who have been ranching a long time have seen a decrease in number of births that need assistance, due to selecting heifers of appropriate size and maturity to calve and selecting bulls that sire smaller calves—especially for use on heifers,” she said. There are still a few situations that occur, however, in which the cow or heifer will need assistance. She gives calving...

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