Calving tips

Guide to calving cows

The calving season is a busy time on any dairy farm. Good management can help to avoid many problems but in spite of the best laid plans, births do not always run to plan. Knowing a few basic principles may help to make this tiring time run as smoothly as possible.

The normal stages of labour are as follows:

1^st stage of labour

• The start of uterine contractions and cervix dilation
• Usually lasts three to six hours but difficult to determine its onset

2^nd stage of labour

• Forceful abdominal contractions and the appearance of the water bag
• Delivery of the foetus

3^rd stage labour

• Abdominal contractions end and uterine contractions intensify to expel membranes

When to intervene:

• If 1^st stage does not progress to 2^nd stage within six hours. Check for a nose and two feet
• If a cow in 2^nd stage labour does not make any progress. A minor correction of the calf's presentation may be all that is needed
• If any animal that is due to calve looks sick or uncomfortable or is seen with an arched back/elevated tail
• If there is a foul-smelling discharge or the presence of any membranes

Basic principles

• Remember the 10 minute rule: if you are not making any progress, stop and try something different
• Be hygienic at all times - wash the cow's rear end and your arms before going into the uterus
• Check for any metabolic issues - a cow with milk fever may just need a bag of calcium to enable her to calve on her own
• Use plenty of lubricant when manipulating a calf - this is critical to protect the uterus but also makes the job a lot easier
• Pulling on a mal-presentation will only make matters worse - make sure that you are only pulling on one animal
• Traction should be used with caution - an incredible amount of force can be applied using a calving jack and a great deal of damage can be done
• NEVER USE QUADBIKES, TOYOTAS OR TRACTORS TO PULL!
• Always check for a second calf, and a third - it wouldn't be the first time!

Solutions for a problem calving include manipulation and vaginal delivery, forced extraction, foetotomy (cutting up the calf inside the cow) if the calf is dead, caesarian section or euthanasing the cow (sometimes a live calf can be removed at this stage).

If you feel you are not making any progress, are concerned about the health of the animal that is calving, suspect foetal oversize or a twisted uterus, please contact Totally Vets as soon as possible.