Unit 5 - Calving Management Flashcards
When does calving management occur?
45-60 days period determined by breeding exposure the previous year
What are key activities of calving management?
-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.
What’s the major function of calving management?
1) Support of cows during labor
2) support of cows and calves postpartum
When should observation of cows in calving pasture begin?
3 weeks before first expected calving date or 21 days
How much of a difference (in days) can you expect before and after the anticipated calving range?
18 days before and after
What are some signs that calving is imminent?
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
How long does the first stage of calving last?
4-24 hours
What will you observe during the first calving stage?
-calf and fetal membranes are forced toward the birth canal
-cervix dilate (4 fingers should fit when ready)
- restless behavior
-isolation
When does stage 1 of calving end?
With the appearance of the fetal membranes
How long is stage 2 of calving?
0.5 - 1 hour
What can you expect to observe in stage 2 of calving?
- strong contractions
-dam will lie down and strain
When does stage 2 of calving end?
With delivery of the calf
How long is stage 3 of calving?
1-12 hours
What can you expect to observe in stage 3 of calving?
-uterine contractions continue to expel placenta
-if fail to deliver in 12 hours (retain placenta) contact veterinarian
When does stage 3 of calving end?
When the placenta is delivered
How can you determine if a calf is alive or dead?
-withdrawal reflex
-suckle reflex
-rectal reflex
-heartbeat
How do you secure obstetrical chains?
Place Sliding loop above the fetlock
Place Half hitch below the dewclaws
How do you secure obstetrical straps?
Sliding the loops above the fetlock only
How can you help a neonate calf breathe easier?
-place in sternal recumbency
-clear airway of mucous by elevating head and pointing nose and mouth toward ground
-tickle inside of nose with straw
After birth, what do we dip the navel into?
10% betadine solution
What health issues are all calves born with, that should correct themselves?
-Hypoxia
-metabolic acidosis
When should newborn calves be encouraged to nurse? And why?
Within 2 hours of birth.
To promote thermal homeostasis and promote colostrum intake.
How much and how fast should calves consume colostrum?
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)
What are listless calves?
Calves that are slow to nurse (greater than 4 hours) after birth and considered at risk for death, disease, and impaired productivity.
What is the main protein in milk?
Casein
What is intestinal porosity?
When the pores in the intestines are open in the gut.
After calving what are 3 steps to care for the dam?
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
