How cows give birth: preparation and how to accept a calf, possible complications

In order to receive milk constantly, the cow needs periodic renewal of lactation. This happens after the birth of a calf. The livestock breeder must certainly understand how a cow gives birth. Although such a process is considered natural, it requires special supervision, the creation of appropriate conditions for the animal. It is also worth remembering: complications are possible not only during pregnancy, but also during the birth of a baby or after calving.

Preparing for childbirth

Preparatory work for the birth of a calf includes:

1. Launching a cow. In order to ensure the rest of the expectant mother in labor, the owner should gradually stop milking the animal.
2. Change in diet. On the eve of calving, the volume of food increases by 20%. Four days before the expected date, forage is removed from the diet. Only high-quality hay, green grass (in a small volume) remains. Under no circumstances should overfeeding be allowed.
3. Purchasing the required medicines, materials. Prepare in advance: thick threads (for tying the umbilical cord), iodine, scissors (sharp, disinfected), waffle towels, gloves (disposable), laundry soap.
4. Preparation of the premises. Floors, walls of the barn must be washed with a solution that contains chlorine. Then lay soft hay, change it every day. The cow should be in a clean, spacious room five days before the expected calving date.

Proper preparation of the barn will greatly reduce the chance of complications at calving.

How is a calf born?

Usually calves are born naturally, then the cows take care of them. If the fetus is large, does not come out, then human assistance is required.

Natural birth

On the eve of the responsible day, it is important to show the cow to the veterinarian. But in the village it may not be. Therefore, every livestock breeder should know how to help the animal during childbirth, if necessary. In the case of favorable circumstances, the owner only needs to accept the newborn, gently wipe it from the mucus, and clear the nostrils. In addition, in order to facilitate prolonged labor, the fetal bladder can be cut with disinfected scissors.

With human help

During childbirth, host intervention is necessary only in rare cases when complications such as these occur:

• baby does not come out for half an hour after opening the bubble;
• too little effort;
• calf exit with hind legs.

As a rule, difficulties arise when the animal gives birth for the first time. In such cases, it is better to call a veterinarian who will help you deliver.

Experienced breeders can pull a calf out on their own. In this case, a loop thrown over the legs is used.

You can't do without a veterinarian if you need a caesarean section. Surgical intervention is used if the fetus is very large (does not pass through the birth canal), with improper opening of the cervix.

You need to take a newborn on a clean burlap, under which it is worth putting a layer of straw. The umbilical cord (if not broken) should be cut off with pre-treated scissors (distance - 10 cm from the abdomen), smear the end of the umbilical cord with iodine or brilliant green. After removing the mucus, the calf is given a lick by the cow.

Possible Complications

After a period of time after calving, the following problems may occur:

• weakened animal cannot get up;
• late afterbirth;
• severe udder swelling;
• indigestion;
• no milk;
• significant reduction in cow weight.

In all cases, you need to call a veterinarian. He will carefully examine the animal, make the correct diagnosis, prescribe the necessary treatment.

Advice from experienced breeders

In order to properly prepare for calving, to avoid possible complications, beginners need to heed the following recommendations:

1. For a cow, an individual calving calendar should be drawn up, where all her features will be taken into account.
2. During the first pregnancy, the animal should not be released to the pasture if there are any signs of an impending birth.
3. On the eve of the expected event, it is forbidden to stress the cow.
4. Daily careful inspection of cows will help calculate the exact date of calving.
5. To determine the duration of the birth process, it is required to fix the time of the start of contractions.
6. If the pregnancy of a cow is multiple, then it requires constant supervision by an experienced veterinarian.

Cow calving is a natural phenomenon, for which it is better to prepare in advance. With proper preparation, the likelihood of any complications is minimized. The owner should not rely entirely on nature. In case of urgent need, the animal needs urgent help.

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