Routine assistance during calving.
Keywords: obstetrics, calving, bovine, cow, twins, presentation, position, posture
Image size: 1568 x 1040 px
This series of images illustrates standard procedure for attending to a calving. In this case, the dam was a pluriparous Hereford cow.
In most cases, pluriparous cows give birth within one hour. . Up to three hours may elapse before calving is complete in a heifer. After those time frames, assistance should be considered. If however, one is present at the onset of calving, gentle and quiet intervention may be beneficial. In animals not accustomed to humans, unnecessary intervention may delay calving and should be avoided.
In this image (number one) the amnion has just begun to show at the vulva lips. This means that the allantochorion (chorioallantois) has ruptured already, releasing allantoic fluid.
Routine assistance during calving. 2.
Image size: 1912 x 1312 px
In this image (number two) the amnion is still in tact and two forelimbs and the nose of the calf has been presented at the vulvar lips. Normally, presented cranially and longitudinally. The position of the calf is usually dorso-left ilial or dorso right- ilial, moving into dorso sacral quite quickly. Normal posture for the calf is with its head resting upon its two forelimbs. If calving appears to be progressing slowly, it may be beneficial to rupture the amnion manually and assess presentation position and posture before dystocia becomes established.
Routine assistance during calving. 3.
In this image (number three) the operator is scrubbing his hands and arms in preparation for intervention. It is important to exercise good hygiene if assistance is to be given during calving. In this case an iodine-based scrub is being used but for practical purposes, there are physical cleansing with ordinary soap and water is usually sufficient. The use of gloves is not recommended; traction is compromised and handling of the calf and fetal membranes is complicated through the use of gloves.
Waterproof, washable calving suits are available but may be uncomfortable in hot weather. Otherwise, clothing should be discarded and washed.
Routine assistance during calving. 4.
In this image (number four) the operator has ruptured the amnion manually and some amnionic fluid has escaped. Normally they are about 8 L of amniotic fluid and about twice that amount of allantoic fluid.
Routine assistance during calving. 5.
In this image (number five) the operator and has established that the head and forelimbs presented at the vulvar lips belonged to the same calf! If possible in some cases for twins to be presented simultaneously; this possibility should be eliminated before any traction is applied to the head or limbs; exacerbating dystocia.
Routine assistance during calving. 6.
In this image (number six) traction is being applied to both forelimbs and the head is following spontaneously. In cases of dystocia, calving chains and perhaps even a head snare would have been applied to increase purchase on the calf. It is sometimes difficult to decide exactly how much traction should be applied and when too much traction is necessary to deliver the calf per vagina (necessitating a cesarean section). In general, two average sized adults should be able to deliver a calf per vagina if its presentation posture and position are normal. If it is obvious that the fetus is relatively or actually oversized, as is often the case with beef cattle, one should defer to a cesarean section as soon as possible.
Routine assistance during calving. 7.
In this image (number seven) the elbows of the calf had been grasped and the calf has been rotated through about 120° so that the widest measurement of the fetal pelvis (across the heads of the femoral trocanters) lies dorsal ventral in the maternal pelvis. This helps to prevent hip lock in the maternal pelvis.
Routine assistance during calving. 8.
In this image (number eight) mucus and other debris is being removed from the calf's mouth. If suction is available, it should be applied now. Some ranchers hang calves vertically for a few minutes at this time or even swing them around centrifugally in an effort to expel the mucus in the upper respiratory tract. However this may put excessive pressure on the diaphragm and compromise oxygenation therefore is generally not advisable. Oxygen can be administered by face mask if available. The value of buffers (NaBicarbonate and TRIS) as well as analeptics such as doxapram hcl are questionable.
At this time, it is also appropriate to check for the presence of a cleft palette in the calf.
Routine assistance during calving. 9.
In this image (number nine) the calf is being rubbed vigorously in an attempt to vitalize it; mimicking the vigorous licking of the calf by the dam that normally occurs at this time. One should determine the gender of the calf and also ensure that no umbilical or inguinal herniation is present. The umbilical cord should be disinfected with 0.5% chlorhexidine. Disinfection should be repeated 12 to 24 hours later.
Routine assistance during calving. 10.
Image size: 1927 x 1298 px
In this image (number 10) a helper is continuing to stimulate the calf, close to the dam's head, allowing some fetal-maternal bonding to occur. Excessive helping or interference may compromise fetal-maternal bonding, especially in animals not habituated to humans. At this time the operator is examining the reproductive tract for any signs of damage that may have occurred during delivery and importantly is also examining the uterus for the presence of a second calf. Intra-uterine antibiotics or disinfectants should not be administered routinely after calving. Their value is questionable; indeed this practice has also been associated with an increased calving to conception interval.
Routine assistance during calving. 11.
In this image (number 11) a second calf was indeed present. It was delivered in the same manner as the first calf and the uterus was again investigated for the presence of a third calf which was not present. At this time, the dam should be allowed to bond with her calves with minimal interference from humans.
