Retrospective evaluation of dystocia in cows and heifers in Sakarya and Balıkesir regions

In this research, it was aimed to retrospectively determine the etiology of dystocia in cows and heifers in Sakarya and Balıkesir regions, to measure the health values of cows and heifers after dystocia and to determine the viability of calves. A face-to-face survey was conducted with a total of 40 veterinarians, 20 from each of Sakarya and Balıkesir regions. This research aims to reveal the importance of predisposing factors. Open-ended questions, closed-ended questions and 5-point Likert-type scale questions were asked to the participants. Descriptive analysis tests were used to analyze the collected data. According to veterinarians, 46.0% of dystocia occur in Holsteins, 71% in closed barns and 46.0% in winter. Etiologically, dystocia may be 50% maternal and 50% fetal, according to the participants. In fetopelvic disproportion, 47.03% relative and 52.97% absolute disproportion may occur. Among maternal reasons, pelvic canal insufficiency, cervix canal insufficiency, uterine condition change, vulvaginal canal insufficiency in dystocia due to the birth canal were 30.2%; 26.4%; 28.3%; 13.0% in cows respectively and 46.2; 26.9%; 13.5%; 9.6% in heifers respectively. Regarding the survival rate of the born calf in the first 15 days, 60% of the veterinarians stated that the premature calf rarely lived, 52.5% reported that the giant calf lived frequently, 82.5% stated that twin or multiple calves lived frequently, and 62.5% stated that the calf born as a result of a cesarean section lived frequently. It is the common opinion of researchers that metabolic and reproductive diseases increase in cows and heifers after dystocia. 57.5% of the participants stated that they frequently encountered retention secundinarum after dystocia, 40% stated that they frequently encountered metritis, 37.5% reported that they occasionally encountered ketosis, 42.5% reported that they occasionally encountered mastitis, 42.5% reported foot diseases, and 55% stated that they encountered paralysis occasionally. The calving-conception period after dystocia is between 90-120 days, according to 45.8% of the participants. According to survey results our breeders should be raised awureness about risks of dystocia. Animals in dry period shoul be raised welfare standards and feeding the animals should be sufficient and balanced. Key Words: Cow, Dystocia, Heifer, Retrospective