Dystocia-related risk factors.

Dystocia is one of the leading causes of calf mortality between birth and weaning in beef cattle. An understanding of the effects of parturition and dystocia on perinatal calf viability is paramount for the development of breeding and calving programs that will minimize calf losses. This article discusses the factors affecting birth weight and replacement heifer development and redefines dystocia as any birth that reduces calf viability, causes maternal injury, or reduces maternal reproduction.