Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Stage two of labor begins when the water bag appears at the vulva. The cow will start to strain
and push as the calf has moved into the birth canal. The cow may get up and down or stop
pushing at times. Check her every 30 minutes to see if labor has progressed to stage three.
Normally, stage two of labor lasts from 30 minutes in a cow to up to three hours in a heifer. If
it is taking longer for the calf to appear at the vulva, your cow may be having a difficult deliv-
ery. You will want to check the cervix in this case. Occasionally, the cervix will fail to dilate.
To check for this condition, you will need to use soap and water to wash the vulva with your
hand and arm. Use a rubber glove or obstetrical sleeve and gently insert your hand into the va-
gina. If the cervix is only dilated the width two or three of your fingers, the cervix may not be
dilating properly, or the uterus may be twisted. Call your veterinarian immediately if you sus-
pect this is the case.
If the cervix is fully dilated, and you can feel the three essential structures on the calf (two
front feet and a head or two rear feet and the tail) at the opening of the cervix or in the vagina,
the cow might have uterine inertia or poor uterine contractions. You can use two clean pieces
of soft, nylon rope to make a slipknot above the lower joint (fetlock) of the legs and a half
hitch loop below the fetlock. Apply moderate traction to assist in the delivery. Do not use ex-
cessive force or a tractor to apply traction. Time your pulls with the cow's attempts to push. If
you are unsuccessful after two or three attempts, call your veterinarian.
Stage three occurs when the calf appears at the vulva. Normal delivery position of a calf is
front feet first with the head resting between the legs. Occasionally, a calf will deliver hind
feet first. This is a normal variation and should not be cause for concern as long as both back
feet are coming at the same time. Dystocia occurs when the calf is presented in strange posi-
tions. Sometimes a foot will be flexed back, but it can easily be corrected by pulling the foot
into the normal position. Other calves can have legs bent back, a head twisted to the side, rear
end coming first, or the calf can lay across the birth canal. These types of presentations will
need to be corrected by a veterinarian to protect the uterus from tears and to minimize damage
to the calf.
Stage four is the passing of the placenta. Many cows will consume the placenta, and it usually
does not cause any problems. One of the important last points to do in a birth is to check the
uterus for a second calf by slipping a clean, gloved hand into the birth canal. Many times,
twins can cause birthing difficulties a cow may be having. If the labor was difficult, the uterus
and vagina should be checked for tears or excessive bleeding. If there are tears in the wall of
