Dry and Transition Cows
Calving Assistance
Death loss at or near calving results in the loss of more than 3.5 million calves each year in the United States. Approximately 45% of this death loss is the result of dystocia or calving difficulty. Often times, the problem is related to a malpresentation of the calf. It is possible to identify the problem, correct it, and have a live calf.
If the calf is correctly positioned for a normal delivery, the majority will be born without any problems. The ability to recognize a normal delivery and presentation is just as important as the ability to recognize an abnormal calf presentation and/or delivery.
In a normal delivery, the front feet appear first with the calf’s head coming between the front legs. After the head appears, the rest of the body usually delivers in two to five minutes.
Assistance is usually not required if the calf is presented in a normal position. If calving starts and there is no progress, it is important to determine the problem and provide proper assistance.
It is important to know with complete confidence, when and how long to leave the cow and when to seek help. If there is no progress in the delivery of the calf after a period of 30 minutes of intense straining, the cow should be examined to determine if the presentation of the calf is normal.
Before examining the cow, carefully wash your hands and arms with a disinfectant soap. Use a plastic sleeve. Also, the vulva and rectum of the cow should be cleaned.
Carefully insert your hand in the vulva to determine the presentation of the calf. If the presentation of the calf is abnormal, it is necessary to correct it or seek help.
The cow will require assistance if you observe any of the following conditions:
- Only the tail of the calf is visible.
- Only the head of the calf is visible.
- The front legs of the calf protrude past the knees but the nose of the calf is not visible.
- The hooves of the calf are upside down.
- You see the head and only one leg of the calf.
- You see more than two feet.
- There is no progress in the calving process after 30 minutes of intense straining.
- The cow quits trying to calve after a short rest period following a period of progress. Normally, a rest period should not last longer than five to 10 minutes.