calf is in the correct position. If the calf’s
hooves are upside down and pointing
skywards an internal hand inspection is vital
as this usually indicates the calf is coming
backwards and it is essential to get it out as
quickly as possible, as there is a high risk of
it drowning in its own fluid.
Once it has been established the calf is in
the correct position, it is time to be patient.
Some cows from the show of the water bag
will calve within an hour. Other, especially
first time, Heifers, may take several hours.
Having calved in excess of 600 cows over
the years, I have learnt to observe the cow
very closely in the final stage of labour. The
calf begins to come out at a sideways angle
but will rotate so the head is on top of the
legs. While this process is taking place the
pressure of the head helps to expand the
opening and most cows will calve without
any assistance, given time. It can be
tempting to intervene once the feet are
showing, but if the cow has not fully dilated
there is a danger of the calf becoming stuck,
especially a large calf, and by using force to
pull the calf too early you may rupture the
umbilical cord, its lifeline and you would be
lucky to get a live calf at the end.
When do I assist? As a general rule if the
cow is in the final stage and has fully dilated
but after pushing hard for 30-40 minutes and
the calf is not being expelled, a decision is
made to intervene. By now I have called
hubby home to assist or if unavailable,
Harriet or someone equally competent. Very
importantly I apply plenty of lubrication
around the opening to make the exit
slippery, then the calving ropes are securely
attached just above each of the calf’s ankle
joints, the other end attached to two
independent wooden bars so as the cow
contracts we can pull. Once the head is out,
the body will often come quite easily; but if
the calf has a big back end it can become
stuck at the hips which is dangerous, as the
cord has probably ruptured at this point and
it’s vital the calf is delivered as quickly as
possible. A calving jack is an alternative to
sticks, used when more pressure is
necessary and requires only one operator,
allowing my hands to be free to help
manipulate the calf through the opening.
It is always such a magical moment to
witness a new life entering the world, how
lucky I am to do it so often?
Sarah Jack ͽ