Welcome to 'Baby Coo: Part 1,' where we delve into the fascinating world of calving and parturition, shedding light on crucial aspects of this natural process. It's essential to understand when intervention is necessary during calving, the stages involved, signs of distress in the calf, and what to watch for post-birth, ensuring the health and well-being of both cow and calf.
Intervening During Calving
Knowing when to intervene during the calving process is crucial. Monitoring the cow's behavior is key. While most cows give birth without assistance, there are instances where intervention is needed. Signs indicating trouble include prolonged labor, weak contractions, or the appearance of only one leg, upside down hooves or the calf's tail.
You should intervene during calving when you notice signs of distress in the cow or calf, or when the calving process is not progressing as expected:
Stage 1
Cervical plug has disolved and you may notice the cow off by itself or isolated from the herd. The cow may also show signs of restlessness or discomfort. The udder should be full an dthe pelvic are completely relaxed.
If the cow has not progressed to stage 2 after 4 hours, you should examine her.
Stage 2
Clinically the onset of stage 2 is marked by the appearance of membranes or water bag at the vulva. If the cow has been straining for more than 30 minutes without progress, or if she has stopped trying for more than 15–20 minutes after making progress, you should intervene.
In the case of mature cows, intervene if either the water bag or feet have been evident for 30 minutes with little or no progress. Or, if the cow has pushed hard for 30 minutes but the calf has not moved, assistance is needed.
In the case of heifers, intervene one hour after appearance of the water bag.
If a cow or heifer has been in Stage 1 (restless, kicking at belly, wringing tail, seeking isolation) for 2-6 hours but does not progress to active straining, intervention is indicated. Cows should progress to Stage 2 more quickly than heifers.
Calf positioning
If the calf is not positioned properly, such as if only one foot is coming out, or if the back legs are coming out first, you should intervene.
Signs of distress
If the calf is showing signs of distress, such as a swollen tongue or nose, or if the cow is bleeding severely from the rectum, you should intervene. Another sign of distress is meconium (yellow) staining on the calf.
Rest periods
Rest periods should normally not last longer than 5–10 minutes.
Early intervention can increase the calf's chance of survival and the cow's pregnancy rate in the following breeding season. You should work in a chute or a chute designed for calving intervention, and take steps to reduce the risk of infection and damage to the cow.
If you need immediate assistance, you should an emergency vet.
The Process of Calving
Cows will show typical signs that will indicate calving is imminent. Changes that are gradually seen are udder development or making bag and the relaxation and swelling of the vulva or springing.
In the immediate two weeks preceding calving, springing becomes more evident, the udder is filling, and one of the things that might be seen is the loss of the cervical plug. This is a very thick mucous hanging from the vulva. It may be seen pooling behind the cow when she is lying down. Some people mistakenly think this happens immediately before calving, but in fact this can be seen weeks before calving.
The immediate signs that usually occur within 24 hours of calving would be relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and strutting of the teats. Another thing that might be seen in the immediate 12 hours before calving would be variable behavior such as a cow that does not come up to eat or a cow that isolates herself into a particular corner of the pasture.
When the cow is calving, one of the first visible signs is the appearance of water bag at the vulva, and then the appearance of the calf's feet. As the calf makes its way through the birth canal, the two front feet and nose are usually the first body parts visible. Following this, the calf is expelled in a series of contractions, culminating in the complete birth.
Signs of Distress in the Calf
Recognizing distress in the calf is critical. Signs include prolonged labor, abnormal presentation of the calf, weak or no movement, difficulty breathing, or abnormal coloration. Immediate action is necessary if distress is suspected to ensure the calf's well-being.
Post-Birth Care
After the calf is born, it is essential to conduct a thorough examination. Check for signs of vigor such as active movement, strong suckling reflex, and attempts to stand. However, be vigilant for health issues such as respiratory distress, infections, or physical abnormalities that may require veterinary attention.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of calving and parturition is vital for successful outcomes. Knowing when to intervene, recognizing distress in the calf, and ensuring proper post-birth care are crucial steps in safeguarding the health of the cow and calf. Stay tuned for the next installment of 'Baby Coo' as we continue to explore the wonderful journey of new life on the farm.
Remember, when it comes to calving and parturition, knowledge is power. Stay informed and prepared to welcome new life on the farm!
Great info!!