Intrapartum Risk Factors for Calf Morbidity and Mortality in Dairy Cattle: A Systematic Review (2000–2025)
1
Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
2
Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
3
Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Animal Health Service, 07745 Jena, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(6), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13060547
Submission received: 10 April 2026
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Revised: 26 May 2026
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Accepted: 29 May 2026
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Published: 2 June 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Obstetrics: Focus on Reproductive Physiology and Pathology)
Simple Summary
Although progress has been made in calf husbandry, increased calf mortality and morbidity remain a key problem on dairy farms. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of different intrapartum factors (calving management, birth monitoring, birth induction, and dystocia) on calf morbidity and mortality. All these factors influenced calf mortality immediately after birth. Calf mortality up to weaning was affected by calving management and dystocia. Effective birth monitoring and the prevention of dystocia led to an improved transfer of passive immunity. A proper calving management, effective birth monitoring and prevention of dystocia reduced calf morbidity. The results of the literature review are intended to aid farmers in raising healthy calves and show the public that better calf health is possible.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies published in the last 25 years to determine the influence of calving management (type of calving pen, bedding, frequency of cleaning), birth monitoring, birth induction, and dystocia on calf morbidity and mortality. The following databases were used for research: PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science. In total, four studies were included for birth induction, sixteen for calving management, eight for birth monitoring, and twenty for dystocia. All factors included had an influence on perinatal mortality. Calving management and dystocia influenced mortality up to weaning. Severe cases of dystocia raised the risk of mortality from 11.2 to 53.17 and even cases of moderate dystocia led to an increased risk of mortality from 2.04 to 11.6. Passive transfer of immunity was improved by more frequent birth monitoring. Dystocia increased the risk of failure of passive transfer. Good calving management and performing of birth monitoring reduced the risk of morbidity. Dystocia led to a higher risk of morbidity. Dystocia had the greatest influence on the parameters examined. This systematic review provides evidence that intrapartum factors have an influence on calf morbidity and mortality and shows possibilities to improve calf health outcomes.
Keywords:
parturition; dystocia; birth induction; calving management; birth monitoring; calf welfare
