Unit 5 - Calving Management

Question 1

When does calving management occur?

Answer 1

45-60 days period determined by breeding exposure the previous year

Question 2

What are key activities of calving management?

Answer 2

-monitor cows for sign that labor is imminent
-observe labor and be prepared to assist when necessary
-observe postpartum behavior of neonates and damn; verify that neonates consume adequate colostrum and are coping adequately with environmental conditions
-Verify that the placenta has been delivered
-keep accurate records: calf-dam pairings, calf ID, birth dates, etc.

Question 3

What’s the major function of calving management?

Answer 3

1) Support of cows during labor
2) support of cows and calves postpartum

Question 4

When should observation of cows in calving pasture begin?

Answer 4

3 weeks before first expected calving date or 21 days

Question 5

How much of a difference (in days) can you expect before and after the anticipated calving range?

Answer 5

18 days before and after

Question 6

What are some signs that calving is imminent?

Answer 6

1) cow udder will appear full, tight, and swollen (heifer udder may not change visibly)
2) vulva will swell (spring) and will have discharge of viscous, stringy mucous

Question 7

How long does the first stage of calving last?

Answer 7

4-24 hours

Question 8

What will you observe during the first calving stage?

Answer 8

-calf and fetal membranes are forced toward the birth canal
-cervix dilate (4 fingers should fit when ready)
- restless behavior
-isolation

Question 9

When does stage 1 of calving end?

Answer 9

With the appearance of the fetal membranes

Question 10

How long is stage 2 of calving?

Answer 10

0.5 - 1 hour

Question 11

What can you expect to observe in stage 2 of calving?

Answer 11

• strong contractions
  -dam will lie down and strain

Question 12

When does stage 2 of calving end?

Answer 12

With delivery of the calf

Question 13

How long is stage 3 of calving?

Answer 13

1-12 hours

Question 14

What can you expect to observe in stage 3 of calving?

Answer 14

-uterine contractions continue to expel placenta
-if fail to deliver in 12 hours (retain placenta) contact veterinarian

Question 15

When does stage 3 of calving end?

Answer 15

When the placenta is delivered

Question 16

How can you determine if a calf is alive or dead?

Answer 16

-withdrawal reflex
-suckle reflex
-rectal reflex
-heartbeat

Question 17

How do you secure obstetrical chains?

Answer 17

Place Sliding loop above the fetlock
Place Half hitch below the dewclaws

Question 18

How do you secure obstetrical straps?

Answer 18

Sliding the loops above the fetlock only

Question 19

How can you help a neonate calf breathe easier?

Answer 19

-place in sternal recumbency
-clear airway of mucous by elevating head and pointing nose and mouth toward ground
-tickle inside of nose with straw

Question 20

After birth, what do we dip the navel into?

Answer 20

10% betadine solution

Question 21

What health issues are all calves born with, that should correct themselves?

Answer 21

-Hypoxia
-metabolic acidosis

Question 22

When should newborn calves be encouraged to nurse? And why?

Answer 22

Within 2 hours of birth.
To promote thermal homeostasis and promote colostrum intake.

Question 23

How much and how fast should calves consume colostrum?

Answer 23

Calves should consume 5-6% of body weight within first 6 hours and bother 5-6% in the second 6 hours of life. (10% in 12 hours)

Question 24

What are listless calves?

Answer 24

Calves that are slow to nurse (greater than 4 hours) after birth and considered at risk for death, disease, and impaired productivity.

Question 25

What is the main protein in milk?

Answer 25

Casein

Question 26

What is intestinal porosity?

Answer 26

When the pores in the intestines are open in the gut.

Question 27

After calving what are 3 steps to care for the dam?

Answer 27

1) verify the placenta has passed ( listless behavior and gaunt appearance can indicate retained placenta)

2) monitor cows for uterine prolapse for 2 days postpartum.

3) in cases of dystocia, monitor for nerve damage indicated by irregular posture or difficulty moving