1. What did this dead calf cost? Cow’s Feed=$274 Cow’s Feed=$274 Cow’s Shipping=$40 Cow’s Shipping=$40 Preg Check=$2 Preg Check=$2 Vaccinations=$5 Vaccinations=$5 Worming=$10 Worming=$10 Minerals=$10 Minerals=$10 TOTAL=$341 TOTAL=$341

2. What did this calf make you? (sold @ weaning) 650 lbs. x 1.07=$695.50 650 lbs. x 1.07=$695.50 Minus cow cost Minus cow cost =$353.50 PROFIT =$353.50 PROFIT WHY THE DIFFERENCE? WHY THE DIFFERENCE?

3. Calving Problems Dystocia

4. Normal Labor Stage 1: Stage 1: Visible signs of early labor may or may not be seen in mature cows. First calf heifers are more likely to show signs such as wanting isolation, discomfort, uneasiness, kicking, and wringing the tail. There may also be some vaginal discharge and obvious uterine contractions. Visible signs of early labor may or may not be seen in mature cows. First calf heifers are more likely to show signs such as wanting isolation, discomfort, uneasiness, kicking, and wringing the tail. There may also be some vaginal discharge and obvious uterine contractions. This stage lasts 2-6 hours and may be longer in heifers. This stage lasts 2-6 hours and may be longer in heifers. Stage 1 ends with the fetal parts entering the birth canal. Stage 1 ends with the fetal parts entering the birth canal.

5. The normal presentation, position, and posture is a calf coming head first, right-side up, with the front legs and head coming through the birth canal. See figure 1.

6. Stage 2: Visible signs of second stage labor include appearance of the water sac, and evidence of a foot or leg. Visible signs of second stage labor include appearance of the water sac, and evidence of a foot or leg. This stage lasts from ½ to 4 hours. This stage lasts from ½ to 4 hours. Stage 2 ends with birth of the calf Stage 2 ends with birth of the calf

7. Stage 2-Middle

8. Stage 3 This stage is where the placenta or fetal membranes are passed. This stage is where the placenta or fetal membranes are passed.

9. When normal labor is NOT occuring Determine the presentation, position, and posture of the fetus. This can be aided by referring to the following descriptions and pictures. Determine the presentation, position, and posture of the fetus. This can be aided by referring to the following descriptions and pictures. Presentation - This refers to whether the calf is coming head first, backwards or sideways. Presentation - This refers to whether the calf is coming head first, backwards or sideways. Position - This refers to whether the calf is right-side up or upside-down. Position - This refers to whether the calf is right-side up or upside-down. Posture - This refers to where the calf’s legs are in relation to its body. Posture - This refers to where the calf’s legs are in relation to its body.

10. It should be determined if the front or hind legs are coming through the birth canal. This is done by understanding that the joints on the front limbs flex in the same direction. The joints on the hind limb, however, flex opposite of each other. In the case of twins, any combination of front and hind limbs may be present. One of the criteria for making a plan of action involves determining if the calf is alive or dead.

11. CHECKING FOR A LIVE CALF: This is done by: 1-Pinching between the toes and having the calf pull away. 2-Placing a finger in the mouth and feeling the calf suckle. 3-Gently poking the eye - the calf usually moves its head. 4-Checking rectal tone by placing a finger in the rectum - the tissue around the finger should contract.

12. Normal presentation and position, except one or both front legs are retained:

13. With one hand, try to cup the end of the hoof on the leg(s) that is retained. This will protect the uterus and allow the limb to be pulled towards the pelvis. Sometimes a chain can be placed on the retained limb for extra control. With one hand, try to cup the end of the hoof on the leg(s) that is retained. This will protect the uterus and allow the limb to be pulled towards the pelvis. Sometimes a chain can be placed on the retained limb for extra control. If more space is required, one hand can be placed on the chest or head of the calf. Then while pushing the calf back into the pelvis, the other hand can be used to cup and pull the retained limb into the pelvis. If more space is required, one hand can be placed on the chest or head of the calf. Then while pushing the calf back into the pelvis, the other hand can be used to cup and pull the retained limb into the pelvis.

14. A dead calf may be more easily removed by having a veterinarian perform a fetotomy. This method may also be safer for the cow.fetotomy A dead calf, if not removed within hours, will severely compromise the health of the mother. Severely swollen, fluid filled calves usually require professional help to remove. A weak, yet live calf, needs fast removal. This may mean a Cesarean section.

15. Routine Deliveries Delivery of a calf in normal presentation, position, and posture using chains/handles or a calf puller:

16. Delivery of a calf that is coming backward, but in normal position and posture:

18. Delivery of a calf that is coming backward, but in normal position and posture: Delivery of a calf that is coming backward, but in normal position and posture: Because the head of the calf is immersed in fluids during the delivery, the calf must be delivered quickly to avoid suffocation. Because the head of the calf is immersed in fluids during the delivery, the calf must be delivered quickly to avoid suffocation. The calf should be rotated 45-90 degrees before attempting to remove it. The calf should be rotated 45-90 degrees before attempting to remove it.

19. Common Mistakes: Allowing the cow to be in labor too long before giving assistance. Check cows often. Intervene if no progress is being made. Trying to deliver a calf that is in an abnormal position without first correcting the problem. Never apply traction to a calf with the head or leg back without first correcting the problem. Applying too much traction. No more force than the equivalent of two people manually pulling should ever be used. * When questions arise, consult a veterinarian!