Birth of twin calves: how to understand that there will be twins and features of calving, care

The appearance of a calf on the farm is a great joy for the farmer, because this is an increase in livestock, the possibility of further development, and a good profit in the future. But whether to rejoice at the birth of twin calves - many novice business executives do not know the answer to this question, they worry about the he alth of the cow and have no idea how to feed the babies, because they may simply not have enough milk.

Can a cow give birth to twins

Usually a cow has one calf at the hotel, but there are exceptions. Only 2-4% of pregnancies in cows end in twins.Multiple pregnancy is a difficult test for an animal, in this case, veterinarian examinations are necessary, additional inclusion of vitamins and minerals (especially calcium preparations) in the diet, which the doctor will help you choose.

The cause of multiple pregnancies may be infertility treatment that was performed on the cow before insemination, the probability of having 2 calves is higher in high-yielding cows that give a lot of milk. Among such animals, 20% of cows give birth to twins.

As a result of a double pregnancy, the cow is likely to develop complications during calving: postpartum paresis, inflammation of the uterus, problems with the discharge of the placenta.

The presence of a veterinarian at the hotel is an additional cost for the farmer, and there are much more worries in the event of calving twins.

How can I tell if I'm having twins?

Previously, twins at the hotel were found out after a manual rectal examination of a pregnant cow or at the time of birth.Inspection did not give accurate results, the probability of error was very high. Today, for a period of 1.5-2 months, she can do an ultrasound examination. During this period, the embryos are still small in size, but are already perfectly visible on the screen.

Features of childbirth

At the hotel, a twin cow in childbirth will probably need help. The following signs are harbingers of the imminent start of the process:

• the udder swells and turns pink;
• swollen and reddened nipples, perineum;
• animal often lies down, may moo plaintively;
• the amount of mucus from the vagina increases, it can hang down with a transparent thread;
• stomach drops, ribs clearly show through;
• cow tail raised at the base;
• manure and urine come out frequently, in small portions;

In this case, it is necessary to monitor the cow, especially if 2 babies are expected. From the moment the contractions begin until the appearance of the calf, it takes from 30 minutes to 2.5-3 hours. It depends on the age of the cow, the number of calves, the breed of the animal.

If the birth is going well, no human intervention is required, you should patiently and calmly wait until the legs of the calf appear. In the correct presentation, one calf appears forward with its front legs, the other with its back legs.

Babies can sit on top of each other. In this case, you should insert your hand into the vagina, feel the legs of the upper calf and gently pull it, helping to be born. Do the same with the second baby. The interval between the birth of calves is 1-2 hours. After the birth of the first cow should be watered.The appearance of 2 afterbirths occurs if the calves are two-egg (calf and heifer), at the birth of identical babies there will be one afterbirth.

Important: in the absence of experience, you should not carry out these manipulations on your own, it is better to invite a veterinarian in advance.

Burenka must be allowed to lick the newborns, if she is not able to do this, the babies are wiped with a clean cloth, the nasal passages are cleared of mucus. After giving birth, the calves are fed 1.5 liters of colostrum within an hour. The cow should be given warm water to drink.

Subtleties of development of same-sex and opposite-sex twins

If 2 bulls or 2 heifers are born at twin calving, the owner gets normal calves. In the case when a bull and a heifer are born, the girl will most likely have an overabundance of male hormones. Such animals are called freemans, they are sterile and look more like bulls.

The steer in such a pair is ordinary, he can become a good producer. Freeman heifers are fattened for meat, they have increased muscle mass, they are larger than ordinary cows.

Feeding twins if cow's milk is not enough

Colostrum is given to calves for the first 4 days of life. After that, they are transferred to milk. To strengthen the immune system and if the cow does not have enough milk for two babies, they can be given prefabricated milk from other cows. In the absence of such an opportunity, they buy milk replacer (whole milk substitute), it is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. The product is selected according to the age of the calves. Babies should not be given soy or goat milk, they cause diarrhea in calves.

In this case, some owners begin to give oatmeal jelly, a steamed grain mixture, from the age of 2 months, and then transfer to adult food. Of course, for a cow to give birth, and for the owner to raise twins - a lot of work. But this is a huge experience for the farmer and an unexpected gift that, with due diligence, will turn into a substantial profit.

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