issues with calving young heifers?

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milkmaid

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Why do young heifers have more problems calving than older heifers? (Say 14 month olds compared to 22 month olds.)

Is it simply because they're younger... or is it because they're smaller? combination of the two? or are there other issues involved?

comments? thoughts, opinions?
 
Its a case of all of the above.

Pelvic opening is smaller, the size of the calf relative to her own size is out of proportion (although the calf will be smaller than out of an older cow) In beef breeds we aim to stay around 7% of cow weight, in young heifers its awfully hard to stay around that figure.

The shape of the pelvic opening also changes slightly with maturity. The high nutritional needs of the foetus as well as the growing heifer in combination with the high amounts of hormones associated with pregnancy also inhibits the longbone growth and further developement of the heifer.

If the heifer was well grown out and the mating planned with an appropriate bull and the owner was skilled and committed enough to assist as needed it can and should work out OK, but unfortunately in most cases this scenario happens because of management issues and I'm sure you can make your own conclusions on skill and commitment level of the breeder.
 

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