Calving is an exciting and critical time for dairy farmers and cattle owners. The birth of a new calf represents the continuation of the herd, and the success of the calving process can have a significant impact on the cow’s future health and milk production. However, calving can also be a challenging time, especially for first-time mothers or cows that experience difficulties during delivery. In these cases, it’s crucial to provide assistance to ensure the safe and healthy delivery of the calf.

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to help a cow in calving, including preparation, observation, and post-calving care. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can help ensure the well-being of the cow and calf, and contribute to the success of your herd.

Preparation

Before the calving process begins, it’s essential to prepare for the event. Here are some key steps you should take:

1. Gather necessary equipment: You’ll need to have certain equipment on hand to assist the cow during calving. This includes a clean and well-lit area, gloves, a clean towel, and a calf puller if necessary.
2. Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the cow: Understanding the anatomy of the cow can help you identify any problems during delivery and provide appropriate assistance.
3. Choose a suitable location: Choose a clean and well-lit area for the cow to calve in. This will ensure that you can see what’s happening and provide the best possible assistance.
4. Assemble a calving kit: Keep a calving kit on hand that includes all the necessary equipment, such as gloves, towels, and a calf puller. Having everything in one place can save time and reduce stress during the calving process.

Observing the Cow

Once the cow begins to show signs of imminent calving, it’s important to closely observe her behavior and provide assistance as needed. Here’s what you should look for:

1. Signs of imminent calving: Some signs of imminent calving include restlessness, frequent lying down and getting up, and the production of clear discharge from the vulva.
2. Monitoring the cow’s behavior: Observe the cow’s behavior closely and look for any signs of distress, such as excessive straining or vocalizing.
3. Interpreting the cow’s body language: Understanding the cow’s body language can help you identify any problems during delivery. For example, if the cow is standing with her tail extended, this could indicate that the calf is not in the correct position for delivery.
4. Recognizing distress signals: If the cow appears to be in distress, it’s important to act quickly. Some signs of distress include excessive straining, vocalizing, or a change in behavior, such as lying down and not getting up.

Assistance During Calving

If the cow experiences difficulties during delivery, it may be necessary to provide assistance. Here’s what you can do:

1. Supporting the cow’s position: If the cow is lying down, try to encourage her to get up and move around. This can help reposition the calf and improve the delivery process.
2. Clearing the birth canal: If the calf’s head is visible, gently clear the birth canal of any discharge or debris to help ease delivery.
3. Pulling the calf if necessary: If the calf is not in the correct position for delivery, a calf puller can be used to gently pull the calf into the correct position.
4. Delivering the afterbirth: After the calf is born, the afterbirth (placental tissue) should be delivered within a few hours. Gently pull on the cord to encourage delivery.
5. Monitoring the cow and calf: After delivery, closely monitor the cow and calf to ensure that they are both healthy and bonding. The calf should begin nursing within the first hour after birth, and the cow should be alert and responsive.
6. Post-Calving Care ;Once the calf is born and the cow has delivered the afterbirth, it’s important to provide proper care for both the cow and calf. Here’s what you should do:
7. Ensuring proper bonding: It’s essential that the calf begins nursing within the first hour after birth to ensure proper bonding and to receive colostrum, the first milk that is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients.
8. Monitoring the cow’s health: Observe the cow closely for any signs of infection or illness, such as swelling, redness, or discharge from the vulva.
9. Cleaning and disinfecting the area: Clean and disinfect the area where the cow calved to reduce the risk of infection and promote good hygiene.
10. Providing adequate nutrition: Ensure that the cow has access to fresh water and feed to promote healing and support milk production.

Calving can be a challenging but rewarding time for dairy farmers and cattle owners. By preparing for the event, closely observing the cow, providing assistance as needed, and following proper post-calving care, you can help ensure the safe and healthy delivery of the calf and contribute to the success of your herd. If you experience any difficulties during the calving process or have concerns about the health of the cow or calf, it’s important to seek professional help.