Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Calving season can be both exciting and challenging. While most cattle deliver calves without complications, dystocia – or difficult calving – may occur. Reviewing what normal deliveries look like, recognizing the signs of dystocia, and understanding when to call a veterinarian can help to ensure the health of the cow and calf.
Understanding normal calf delivery
Labor can be divided into three stages: Preparation, Delivery of Calf, and Delivery of Placenta.
Stage 1: Preparation. Cows may isolate from the herd, show signs of pain or uneasiness, swishing of tail or kicking at her belly. Stage 1 may last 12-24 hours.
Stage 2: Delivery of Calf. This stage begins when the cervix is completely dilated and amniotic sac – or water bag – is visible in the vulva and ends with delivery of the calf. Stage 2 lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. The most common delivery is frontward presentation, right side up, front legs and head extended in the birth canal.
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta. This occurs within 12 hours after delivery of calf.
Recognizing problems during calving
Dystocia occurs when a calf cannot be delivered without assistance. Key signs to watch for include:
Prolonged Stage 1: Intervention may be needed if a cow has been in stage 1 for more than 8 hours or if the cow is displaying signs of excessive stress or fatigue.
Prolonged Stage 2: Progression is very important in Stage 2. Assistance is indicated if:
- There is no progress after 30 minutes of actively pushing.
- The cow takes a break greater than 20 minutes after actively pushing.
- The producer can visualize that the presentation, position, and posture of the calf is abnormal (backwards, breech, only 1 leg, etc.)
- There are visible signs of distress in the cow, including exhaustion.
Stage 3: The placenta is considered retained after 12 hours of delivery of the calf. Treatment may be indicated; however, manual removal of the placenta should never be attempted. This will lead to damage of the uterus and potential reproductive failure for the cow.
When to call the veterinarian
Knowing when to assist the cow during delivery may depend on several factors. Using normal delivery as a guide, producers can establish standards within their operation to identify signs of dystocia. Making the decision to call a veterinarian will be specific to each operation and the experience level among producers. Call a professional if you are unsure how to proceed safely or if it takes more than 20 minutes to correct the problem.
By understanding the normal calving process and being observant of signs of dystocia, you can ensure a successful calving season. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. A timely call can make all the difference for your herd’s health and productivity.
