To receive milk continuously, a cow needs periodic resumption of lactation. This happens after the calf is born. A livestock breeder must understand how a cow gives birth. Although such a process is considered natural, it requires special observation and the creation of appropriate living conditions for the animal. It is also worth remembering: complications are possible not only during pregnancy, but also during the birth of the baby or after calving.
Preparing for childbirth
Preparatory work for the birth of a calf includes:
- Running a cow. In order to ensure rest for the expectant mother, the owner must gradually stop milking the animal.
- Changing your 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. All that remains is high-quality hay and green grass (in small quantities). Under no circumstances should overfeeding be allowed.
- Purchase of required medications and materials. You should prepare in advance: thick threads (for ligating the umbilical cord), iodine, scissors (sharp, disinfected), waffle towels, gloves (disposable), laundry soap.
- Preparing the premises. The floors and walls of the barn must be washed with a solution that contains chlorine. Then spread soft hay and change it every day. The cow should be in a clean, spacious room already five days before the expected calving date.
Proper barn preparation will greatly reduce the likelihood of calving complications.
How is a calf born?
Usually calves are born naturally, and then the cows take care of them themselves. If the fruit is large and does not come out, then human help is required.
Natural birth
On the eve of the important day, it is important to show the cow to the veterinarian. But there may not be one in the village. Therefore, every livestock breeder should know how to help the animal during childbirth, if necessary. In case of favorable circumstances, the owner only needs to accept the newborn, carefully wipe him of mucus, and clear his nostrils. In addition, in order to facilitate prolonged labor, the amniotic sac can be cut with disinfected scissors.
With the help of a person
During childbirth, owner intervention is necessary only in rare cases when the following complications occur:
- the baby does not come out for half an hour after the bladder opens;
- too weak attempts;
- exit of the calf with the hind legs.
As a rule, difficulties arise when an animal gives birth for the first time. In such cases, it is better to call a veterinarian who will help deliver the baby.
You cannot do without a veterinarian if you need to perform a caesarean section. Surgical intervention is used if the fetus is very large (does not pass through the birth canal), or if the cervix is not dilated correctly.
A newborn should be received on a clean burlap cloth, under which a layer of straw should be placed. The umbilical cord (if it has not broken) should be cut off with pre-treated scissors (distance - 10 cm from the abdomen), the end of the umbilical cord should be lubricated with iodine or brilliant green. After removing the mucus, the calf is allowed to lick the cow.
Possible complications
Some time after calving, the following problems may occur:
- a weakened animal cannot stand up;
- retention of placenta;
- severe swelling of the udder;
- indigestion;
- no milk;
- significant reduction in cow weight.
In all cases, you must call a veterinarian. He will carefully examine the animal, make the correct diagnosis, and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Tips from experienced livestock breeders
In order to properly prepare for calving and avoid possible complications, beginners need to listen to the following recommendations:
- An individual calving calendar should be drawn up for the cow, which will take into account all its characteristics.
- During the first pregnancy, the animal should not be released to pasture if any signs of impending birth appear.
- On the eve of the expected event, the cow must not be subjected to stress.
- A thorough daily inspection of the cow will help determine the exact calving date.
- To determine the duration of the labor process, it is necessary to record the time of the onset of contractions.
- If a cow’s pregnancy is multiple, then it requires constant monitoring by an experienced veterinarian.
Calving in a cow is a natural phenomenon, for which it is better to prepare in advance. With proper preparation, the likelihood of any complications occurring is minimized. The owner should not rely entirely on nature. In case of urgent need, the animal must be provided with urgent assistance.
