|
Stages |
Time Frame |
What is happening |
Tips |
|
Stage 1 Dilation |
4-24 hours before parturition. |
Uterus muscle becomes more sensitive causing contractions and dilation. The fetus is positioning itself for birth. |
Watch for behavioral changes such as isolation, discomfort, elevation and switching of the tail, and mucus discharge. |
|
Stage 2 Delivery |
½ to 5 hours |
Starts with water breaking and ends in the actual birth of the calf. |
Give heifers more time for their first delivery. Straining and repeatedly getting up and down, and an elevated tail for long periods of time are often key indicators of trouble. |
|
A vaginal exam should be performed if there is no progression for 30-60 minutes. Always use protective gloves and a lubricant. Clean the vulva area with soap and water. 1. Feel the cervix to check for dilation. (You will not be able to feel it if she is fully dilated.) 2. Feel for the calf. There should be a straight line to the calf without any twists or folds in the vagina. If not, the uterus is probably rotated. 3. Determine how the calf is positioned. Head and front legs should be forward. If not, some repositioning is needed. |
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|
Stage 3 Placenta |
8-12 hours for membranes to be shed. |
Placenta detaches from uterus and is expelled by uterine contractions. |
Do not attempt to remove these membranes. It is detrimental to the uterine health and future conception rates of the cow. Use antibiotics to guard against uterine infection. A retained Placenta will slough out in 4-7 days. |
