Cow survival rate and recovery of reproduction after Caesarean Section

The study was made in large and small dairy farms in the whole Lithuania from 2012 to 2014. Cows that experienced Caesarean at calving under field conditions were chosen for this research. An obstetrical surgical veterinary help was given to 48 cows that suffered from severe dystocia. In our study, foetopelvic disproportion was reported as the main cause of dystocia and reached 58.3%. Foetal malposition was noted in 25% of cases and was called the second main reason of dystocia. Standing left paralumbar celiotomy is the most common Caesarean Section technique performed in case of dystocia. The results showed that foetal and dam survival was 50% and 97.9% respectively. Cows that survived after Caesarean section, 25.5% carried another calf to term, 46.8% were culled due to infertility and 23.4% were culled due to other reasons. From this study, it is concluded in order to obtain high foetal survival and also to keep high dam fertility rate, cows with dystocia should be presented without undue delay