Relationship of Energy, Cow Size and Sire to Calving Difficulty

Abstract

Methods for decreasing calf birth weight or calf size at calving time, increasing or predicting size of the pelvic opening of the cow at calving time could be useful in decreasing calving difficulty and consequently losses at or near calving. This paper will explore several methods for predicting or altering calf size, the relationship between pelvic size and calving difficulty and methods of predicting pelvic size.