Restricted feeding of heifers in early pregnancy is unlikely to reduce calving difficulties, and could hinder calf growth rates pre-weaning, a study by research scientist Rebecca Hickson has shown. Ms Hickson carried out experiments during three calvings from 2005 to 2007 to determine if feeding of 15-month-old in-calf heifers could influence dystocia reports Stuff. Every possible combination of low, medium and high weight gain of heifers before insemination and the first three months of pregnancy were trialed. All calves were weighed and body dimensions measured within 24 hours of birth while the heifers were also weighed. Ms Hickson found that restricted feeding during pregnancy did not offer a solution to dystocia because the heifer had the ability to use her own reserves to support growth of the fetus. Her study also found that calves from restricted heifers grew more slowly to weaning in one experiment. Ms Hickson said farmers could reduce the incidence of dystocia by using low birthweight bulls and to have heifers as well grown out as possible before mating. She also urged farmers to watch calving heifers and provide assistance sooner rather than later.
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