The statement 'Most calving difficulties occur in mature cows; less than 2% occur in first-calf heifers' is true or false?

The statement 'Most calving difficulties occur in mature cows; less than 2% occur in first-calf heifers' is true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not determinable
• D. Depends on breed

Answer: (B)

Dystocia, or difficult calving, is more common in first-calf heifers than in mature cows. The heifer’s birth canal is narrower and her pelvis is smaller while the calf is developing, so passage during birth is more often challenging. Because of that, saying that most calving difficulties occur in mature cows and that first-calf heifers have less than 2% is not accurate. In practice, first-calf heifers carry a higher risk of calving difficulties, with percentages varying by breed and management, rather than being consistently under 2%.

Dystocia, or difficult calving, is more common in first-calf heifers than in mature cows. The heifer’s birth canal is narrower and her pelvis is smaller while the calf is developing, so passage during birth is more often challenging. Because of that, saying that most calving difficulties occur in mature cows and that first-calf heifers have less than 2% is not accurate. In practice, first-calf heifers carry a higher risk of calving difficulties, with percentages varying by breed and management, rather than being consistently under 2%.