As far as possible, cows should be left to calve on their own. But, unfortunately, every now and then, there will be occasions when it is necessary to step in and give assistance.

Knowing what you are doing is essential. Outlined are some tips to approach assisting cows at calving time.

1. How soon to intervene

Once a cow has entered labour, leave the animal alone until the water bag has passed. Try to keep an eye that the fluids in the bag are clear.

Once the bag has ruptured, you can quickly check that the feet and head are in the correct position. Leave the cow alone to progress on her own.

If after two hours there is no sign of progress, it is time to assist the cow. For heifers, do so after one hour.

2. Check the calf position

When inspecting the calf’s position in the birth canal, always wear plastic gloves and use plenty of lubricant.

Check that the cow has opened properly. If everything feels normal, leave the cow alone to progress with labour. If a head or leg is back, try to correct at this point.

If the calf’s feet are crossed or there is little room to manoeuvre your hand around the head and feet, stop and consider phoning the vet at this point.

Trying to pull this calf forward will increase the chance of it getting stuck. Keep a calm head and make an early call, so that the cow and calf have every chance of surviving.

3. Attach the ropes and pull manually

A good rule of thumb once the calf is in the right position, is to attach the ropes and give a quick pull by hand.

If the calf moves forward around one to two inches, there is a good chance the cow will calve on her own. Take off the ropes and leave the cow alone.

4. Using the jack

When it is time to use the jack, secure the cow in a headlock with folding calving gate and attach the feet ropes again.

Always use coloured ropes, so that they can be co-ordinated to specific feet, for example red rope on the right foot and blue on the left.

This way you know which leg is being pulled forward once the ropes are attached to the jack.

Loop the rope above the calf’s fetlock and, if possible, place a second loop just below the fetlock, as this can spread the pressure when the jack has tension applied.

Keep the loop knot below the calf’s foot and attach to the jack. Tighten the ratchet until the ropes are taught, but can still be pressed together with the finger and thumb.

Lever the jack downwards as the cow presses, then straighten and tighten the ropes again. If the calf is coming backwards, the jack should be placed horizontal.

Having a second pair of hands is a big help in this situation. It is important to be fast, as the naval cord is pinched while the calf’s head is still inside the cow.

5. Don’t forget to check on the cow afterwards

Once the calf is born, the attention is usually on getting the animal’s airway cleared, then sitting in an upright position with all four legs tucked below the calf.

But do not forget about the cow after a hard calving. Give the animal a painkiller to ease the trauma of labour.

After a painkiller, the cow will be more likely to eat, drink water and lick the calf. In the case of a severely hard calving, get the vet to check the cow after one week for internal damage or infection.

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