Small Farmer's Guide

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The approach of parturition (actual birthing) in the cow is characterized by udder enlargement and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments, giving the tail head a raised appearance. Frequently, the vulva becomes puffy and wall have a strung of gummy mucous hanging from it. Oftentimes, animals go off feed 6-12 hours prior to calving. Calving should take under one hour once it begins. Don't intervene unless absolutely necessary, and even then your vet should be the one helping. Front feet showing and head started are normal presentation. Any other positioning may require some experienced help.

If your cow is a good mother, she will take care of her baby as soon as its born, and you can mostly just stay out of her way. The first thing to do when the calf is born is to make sure it is breathing. Clear the mucous from its nostrils and if it doesn't take a breath, tickle the inside of its nose with a piece of straw. If mom seems a little bewildered, move the calf toward mom's front end and allow her to lick the calf clean. Licking dries the calf and helps the cow relax and release oxytocin into her bloodstream. This is the hormone that causes the uterus to continue expulsing the placenta and causes the cow to begin milking. Once the calf is breathing, dip the navel cord in an iodine solution, specifically one made for dipping navels, greater than 7 percent iodine.

Unlike a human baby who is born with immunity, calves derive a "passive immunity" from colostrum, the first milk produced by the cow after she calves. If your calf doesn't suck, the colostrum should be milked out of the cow by hand immediately after birth and hand fed in a bottle as soon as possible (within 15 minutes). A 100-pound Holstein calf should receive roughly 5 pounds of colostrum during its first few waking minutes. Err on the side of giving too much versus too little.

Finally, separate mom and calf after birth if you want to milk mom. When calves suckle the cow, they can ingest dirt from the udder, legs, and the belly. Towel dry the calf well and place it in a calf stall. Make sure mom freshens well—passes the placenta—and is in good nutritional plane, especially with regard to calcium.

Each new life beginning marks a special occasion. With any luck, your newborn will receive a happy and healthy welcome.

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