iCEV Livestock Certification Practice Test

Dystocia refers specifically to difficulty in giving birth, particularly in cattle and other livestock. This condition can arise from various factors, including the size and position of the fetus, the anatomy of the mother, or any complications that may arise during the birthing process. Understanding dystocia is important in livestock management because it can have significant implications for both the health of the mother and the calf, as well as potential economic impacts on a farm.

Parturition is the general term that describes the act of giving birth, but it does not specifically denote any complications that might arise during that process. Gestation refers to the period of development from conception to birth, while calving specifically refers to the act of cows giving birth. These terms are related but do not capture the specific challenges associated with difficult births like dystocia does.