This might sound like a silly question – especially for those who have experienced childbirth.

But because cows are pain-tolerant, it can be difficult to know when they’re in pain. Research suggests cows show subtle behavioral signs, like a raised tail, tail swishing or wagging, when they’re in pain.

These behaviors are most often seen when the calf is entering the birth canal and are particularly evident in cows that experience dystocia (difficult or prolonged calving). Dystocia is common in the dairy industry. Estimates suggest 10% to 40% of cows experience dystocia. Of all calving events, cows that experience dystocia likely experience the highest amount of acute pain due to the longer duration of calving and the need for intervention.

Specific behaviors have been identified in cows that experience dystocia, including a decrease in feed consumption, increased restlessness, having their tail raised for longer and lying on their side with their head rested for longer. These animals also show an increase in inflammatory markers and hormones associated with stress and pain.

When we think about pain associated with calving, we typically think of the pain to the dam. But calves can also experience pain during the calving process. It is most likely to occur when calves experience dystocia. This may be due to traumatic injuries (e.g., fractured leg, mandible, ribs, spine, ruptured internal organs or diaphragm, or severe internal bleeding) or prolonged or forceful traction (with a mechanical calving aid, such as a calving jack or chains), where calves experience pain both during and immediately after forced extraction.

Dystocia has been shown to adversely affect the vigor of newborn calves. For example, research suggests calves experiencing dystocia are more likely to have:

Inflammation caused by dystocia can result in several long-term, post-calving issues for the dam, including:

Calves born to a dystocia are more likely to suffer reduced colostrum intake, failed transfer of passive immunity and to be treated for disease or to die.

Clearly, as dystocia is one of the most painful events that can occur, a focus is needed on prevention to optimize health outcomes and production for cows.

There are several factors that have been associated with an increased risk of dystocia. Most are related to decreasing the risk of what’s called feto-maternal disproportion. This is when the pelvic diameter of the cow is not large enough to allow easy passage of the calf.

Specific factors that influence dystocia are:

Fortunately, all these factors can be modified to some extent to reduce the prevalence of dystocia, and solutions should be explored to reduce pain experienced during calving.

Even if preventive measures are in place, dystocia may still occur for some cows. This could be a result of calf position (e.g., if it is backward or if a forelimb is out of place). This is where calving management practices and protocols need to be in place to ensure the right intervention is provided at the right time. Ideally, at the first signs of calving, the cow should be examined to ensure everything is presenting normally.

Intervention should be applied right away if amniotic fluid is brown, red or foul-smelling; the calf’s tongue, head or feet are swollen or cold; the calf is in an abnormal position; or poor reflexes are identified. Otherwise, you should regularly monitor the situation every 15 to 30 minutes to ensure there is progress, and if no progress is made, it’s time to intervene. Work with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive calving management protocol to ensure calving interventions are applied appropriately and in a timely fashion to ensure best outcomes.

We know calving is a painful process, which is why pain control measures may be necessary through the provision of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Research has shown the timing of NSAID administration is key for success. Here are some research results depending on timing:

It should be noted, studies have reported the use of flunixin meglumine (a different type of NSAID) at calving increased the risk of retained placenta and is not recommended for controlling pain at calving.

Use of a NSAID could be beneficial for calves to reduce pain and inflammation they may have experienced during a dystocia event. Specifically, in calves born from a difficult calving, research has shown that providing meloxicam will improve calf vigor and suckling reflex. This likely contributes to improved milk intake, health and weight gain in the first week following calving. Based on this, providing a NSAID to calves that endured a dystocia is warranted. It is important to note, more research and evidence is needed in this area to determine whether blanket use of NSAIDs (given to every calf at birth) is warranted or necessary. Talk to your veterinarian about the best practice for NSAID use for your herd.

Calving is painful for both the dam and calf, especially when dystocia occurs. Producers should first focus on dystocia prevention through management of dam nutrition, genetics and size and age at first breeding for heifers. When dystocia does happen, we need to be ready at the right time to prevent the negative consequences endured by both calf and cow. NSAIDs can help by reducing pain and inflammation that occurs when a calf experiences the effects of a difficult calving. Work with your veterinarian to determine what strategies you could employ to better manage pain around the time of calving.  

Dr. Dave Renaud is a veterinarian and holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology. In addition to bringing knowledge-based solutions for ACER he continues to practice dairy herd health, research and teaching in his other role as an assistant professor at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Steven Roche holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology. ACER is driven by his passion and his mission to develop and deliver evidence-based solutions to motivate on-farm change and improve animal health and welfare.

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