Cows

Intervention

Deciding to intervene on a calving is done after careful observation and evaluation. Calving animals will go through several phases. At first the cow often will act uncomfortable and separate herself from herd mates. Next she will lie down and get up repeatedly as she dilates and the calf engages in the cervix. At this time, the water bag is often visible. Next, after the calf has fully engaged in the pelvis the cow usually will lie down and begin active pushing. The duration and presentation of each phase can be variable. This is where observation ability is essential. During the first phase, some cows will merely walk around with her tail up, not really demonstrating much distress. If a malpresentation exists, the cow may not move to the final phase or will work on pushing until she becomes exhausted. In cases such as uterine torsion, the cow will dilate to a certain point and then quit pushing arresting complete dilation.

A heifer with a normal forward presentation should expel the calf in 4-6 hours after she goes through her nervous stage; for a cow, this period typically lasts 2-4 hours. If the time frame is longer than this, the animal needs to be evaluated.

When evaluating a cow always do so with strict sanitation. Tie up the tail, clean the vulva area with iodine soap, and use clean lubricated gloves. First assess position, which should be front legs and head coming forward. Next evaluate the completion of dilation. If everything seems normal you may want to give the cow more time. If positioning is abnormal, gently manipulate the calf to a deliverable position. If the calf is too large to be extracted or if you can't gently reposition the calf, call for assistance. Sometimes cows with normal presentations don't calve because of hypocalcemia. A bottle of calcium may be all that is needed to get her to calve on her own.

When using a calf jack, remember that you are assisting delivery and not pulling the calf. Gentle traction, plenty of lubrication, and patience are required when assisting delivery. If when using the jack the pressure seems too great or the animal starts to go down, then you are using too much force. If this is the case, an alternative method of extraction may be required.

Manipulation of the calf is often made easier if she is given an epidural. Talk to your veterinarian about learning this technique. It can help decrease the uterine tone and relieve the pain which allows for better manipulation.