Effectiveness of training parturition and dystocia management on days open of dairy cows in traditional farming systems: a field trial

The interval between parturition and subsequent pregnancy is called the days open or calving to conception interval and is affected by several factors, especially dystocia. Dystocia is an ab-normal or difficult calving that may require assistance during labor. This study is a field trial in health education and the research team developed a comprehensive training program for farmers to educate them about the normal process of parturition in dairy cows and when and how to assist in parturition or dystocia. A series of classes was held for farmers and the study covered 486 multi-parous dairy cows, with 173 belonging to the group of trained farms (educated farmers) and 313 to the control group (non-educated farmers). Although dystocia was lower in the educated group, there were no significant differences in retained placenta between two groups. However, cows in the educated group had a better conception rate (lower service per conception) in sub-sequent parturitions. Hence, the median number of days open for cows from trained farmers was significantly lower than other farmers (85 days compared to 120 days, respectively). Based on Cox regression analysis, uterine prolapse, retained placenta, and dystocia could significantly impact subsequent pregnancies. Dystocia affects days open, and training on parturition and dystocia management can effectively reduce the numbers of days open in dairy cows.