Essential Guide to Calving

In spite of having cows calving all year long on our farms, many of them do not receive the care they deserve, when this is in fact an event on which the performance and economy of the operation greatly depend.

From the factors that predispose to dystocia (a problematic delivery), its prevention and the management of cows during gestation, as well as the physiological bases of calving and the problems we can encounter, to the management of the dam and calf during the postpartum period, this book addresses the most important issues in an easy manner and gives simple answers to the questions we may have.

Essential guide to calving

This Essential guide to calving is an accessible yet complete and exhaustive book which explores in depth the aspects related to calving in an educational and practical manner.

Essential guide to calving J. V. GonzĂĄlez-MartĂ­n, L. Elvira and N. PĂŠrez Villalobos

THE VETERINARY PUBLISHING COMPANY PRODUCTION ANIMALS

Essential guide to calving J. V. González-Martín, L. Elvira y N. Pérez Villalobos

BOVINE

Essential Guide to Calving TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Authors: J.V. González-Martín, L. Elvira and N. Pérez Villalobos.

Format: 17 x 24 cm.

Number of pages: 88.

Number of pictures: 200.

Binding: paperback.

ISBN: 978-84-940402-3-8.

RRP: 35 e

Cubierta_GuideToCalving_ENG.indd 1

06/02/13 08:58

This Essential guide to calving is an accessible yet complete and exhaustive book which explores in depth the aspects related to calving in an educational and practical manner.

In spite of having cows calving all year long on our farms, many of them do not receive the care they deserve, when this is in fact an event on which the performance and economy of the operation greatly depend.

From the factors that predispose to dystocia (a problematic delivery), its prevention and the management of cows during gestation, as well as the physiological bases of calving and the problems we can encounter, to the management of the dam and calf during the postpartum period, this book addresses the most important issues in an easy manner and gives simple answers to the questions we may have.

Aimed at veterinary surgeons, students, teachers and other professionals in the veterinary sector.

Centro Empresarial El Trovador, planta 8, oficina I - Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez, 1 • 50002 Zaragoza - España Tel.: 976 461 480 • Fax: 976 423 000 • pedidos@grupoasis.com • Grupo Asís Biomedia, S.L.

THE VETERINARY PUBLISHING COMPANY

Essential Guide to Calving TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction Dystocia

The problematic delivery: dystocia When to examine the cow

Associated costs

How to examine the cow during calving

Causes

When to call the vet

Associated factors

Causes, types and how to perform

Types

Materno-fetal disproportion

Plan of action

Abnormal positioning of the calve

2. The gestation Physiology Duration of the gestation Handling Key facts for heifer´s mating The mother’s body condition

The delivery of twins The malformations of the calve Causes, types and how to perform Forced extraction of the calve

4. The postpartum The mother

Feeding during the prepartum

Physiology of the postpartum

Vaccination of the mothers

Handling in the postpartum

Diseases Possible problems before calving

3. Calving Normal physiology during calving: the eutocic delivery External signs of the proximity of delivery Stages of the eutocic delivery Presentations The delivery room Features of the delivery room Types of delivery rooms

Problems of the cow during postpartum The calve Physiology: the healthy calve Problems of the calve Reanimation of the calve Examination of the calve Handling of the newborn calve Umbilical cord care Colostrum intake

5. Appendix 6. Bibliography

Centro Empresarial El Trovador, planta 8, oficina I - Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez, 1 • 50002 Zaragoza - España Tel.: 976 461 480 • Fax: 976 423 000 • pedidos@grupoasis.com • Grupo Asís Biomedia, S.L.

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Physiology

G E S T A T I O N

Duration of gestation

Many of the factors relating to a successful calving start from the moment when the cow is served. In the same way, it is necessary to have some information about gestation in order to correctly manage the farm and monitor the calving.

The average duration of a normal gestation for a cow is 9 months plus 10 days, i.e. 285 days. However, there are small variations depending on different factors:

GESTATION 9 months ++

• Breed, of both the cow and the bull. • Sex of the calf: for males, gestation lasts 1 -2 days longer. • Ambient temperature: gestation is slightly longer in cold periods.

Breed: Holstein Days: 272-284 Average days: 279

Breed: Charolais Days: 285-288 Average days: 287

Breed: Braunvieh Days: 285-287 Average days: 286

Breed: Fleckvieh Days: 285-291 Average days: 288

Gestation

The design of the management protocol for the prepartum (precalving) and postpartum (postcalving) periods on the farm requires the farmer to be aware of the normal duration of gestation, so that it is possible to calculate what stage each cow is at.

10 days 285 days

Ultrasound scan picture of a 45-day gestation.

Why is it useful to know the duration of gestation?

The duration of gestation will allow the estimated calving date to be predicted. This is very important when it comes to programming dry treatments, preparing the maternity pen, detecting anomalies of gestation such as abortions, foetal mummifications, etc., or even inducing labour if necessary. In order to calculate the calving date, it is also necessary to keep a record of the insemination or service dates and it is recommended to have veterinary reproductive controls carried out in order to diagnose and confirm any pregnancies.

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Breed: Jersey Days: 277-284 Average days: 280

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2

Physiology

G E S T A T I O N

Duration of gestation

Many of the factors relating to a successful calving start from the moment when the cow is served. In the same way, it is necessary to have some information about gestation in order to correctly manage the farm and monitor the calving.

The average duration of a normal gestation for a cow is 9 months plus 10 days, i.e. 285 days. However, there are small variations depending on different factors:

GESTATION 9 months ++

• Breed, of both the cow and the bull. • Sex of the calf: for males, gestation lasts 1 -2 days longer. • Ambient temperature: gestation is slightly longer in cold periods.

Breed: Holstein Days: 272-284 Average days: 279

Breed: Charolais Days: 285-288 Average days: 287

Breed: Braunvieh Days: 285-287 Average days: 286

Breed: Fleckvieh Days: 285-291 Average days: 288

Gestation

The design of the management protocol for the prepartum (precalving) and postpartum (postcalving) periods on the farm requires the farmer to be aware of the normal duration of gestation, so that it is possible to calculate what stage each cow is at.

10 days 285 days

Ultrasound scan picture of a 45-day gestation.

Why is it useful to know the duration of gestation?

The duration of gestation will allow the estimated calving date to be predicted. This is very important when it comes to programming dry treatments, preparing the maternity pen, detecting anomalies of gestation such as abortions, foetal mummifications, etc., or even inducing labour if necessary. In order to calculate the calving date, it is also necessary to keep a record of the insemination or service dates and it is recommended to have veterinary reproductive controls carried out in order to diagnose and confirm any pregnancies.

18

Breed: Jersey Days: 277-284 Average days: 280

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GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

External signs of imminent calving

Recognising the changes that take place naturally in the moments prior to delivery is vital to making management decisions, and to detecting any anomalies in the calving process.

4 WEEKS BEFORE CALVING

4 weeks • Labia of the vulva enlarge and soften.

• Udder swells and slight oedema can be observed.

• Tail is more relaxed and the cow swishes it in a characteristic way.

48 HOURS BEFORE CALVING

1

48 h • Labia of the vulva enlarge (1) up to 6 times their normal size.

• Folds of the udder smoothen out.

• Pelvic ligaments become flaccid.

• Cow swishes her tail more (relaxation).

• Abdomen takes on a pear-shaped form (less pronounced in heifers).

FROM 24 HOURS BEFORE CALVING

Gestación

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

2

3

WEEK BEFORE CALVING

1week

• Mucus that is dense and amber in colour can be observed in the vulva (2) or, on occasions, this discharge may have already dried on the hind limbs.

• Colostrum can be observed dripping from the teats (3).

• Animal stops eating.

• Cow becomes restless and often assumes a urinating posture (4).

Calving

24 h 4

• Pelvic ligaments relax and sink in.

The signs vary as regards 7 duration and intensity depending on each animal.

30

During this last stage, it is recommended to observe the animals, but to avoid disturbing them.

31

GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

External signs of imminent calving

Recognising the changes that take place naturally in the moments prior to delivery is vital to making management decisions, and to detecting any anomalies in the calving process.

4 WEEKS BEFORE CALVING

4 weeks • Labia of the vulva enlarge and soften.

• Udder swells and slight oedema can be observed.

• Tail is more relaxed and the cow swishes it in a characteristic way.

48 HOURS BEFORE CALVING

1

48 h • Labia of the vulva enlarge (1) up to 6 times their normal size.

• Folds of the udder smoothen out.

• Pelvic ligaments become flaccid.

• Cow swishes her tail more (relaxation).

• Abdomen takes on a pear-shaped form (less pronounced in heifers).

FROM 24 HOURS BEFORE CALVING

Gestación

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

2

3

WEEK BEFORE CALVING

1week

• Mucus that is dense and amber in colour can be observed in the vulva (2) or, on occasions, this discharge may have already dried on the hind limbs.

• Colostrum can be observed dripping from the teats (3).

• Animal stops eating.

• Cow becomes restless and often assumes a urinating posture (4).

Calving

24 h 4

• Pelvic ligaments relax and sink in.

The signs vary as regards 7 duration and intensity depending on each animal.

30

During this last stage, it is recommended to observe the animals, but to avoid disturbing them.

31

GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

Calving takes place in three well-differentiated stages:

2. Foetal expulsion stage

1. Dilation stage 2. Foetal expulsion stage 3. Placental expulsion stage

• Abdominal contractions start as the calf’s head presses against the sacrum.

• Contractions become more frequent (every 2-3 minutes), last longer and increase in intensity.

• Some animals, especially heifers, usually lie on their side.

• Increase in pressure causes the rupture of the foetal membranes. The “waters have broken”.

• Continuous contractions will make the calf move along until it is completely expelled.

Stage

Duration

Cow

Dilation

6-16 hours

Moos, restlessness, Gradually becomes refusal to eat… Finally, the positioned in the foetal membranes can be pelvic canal seen in the vulva

Foetal expulsion

Passes through the Heifers: 1-6 hours Abdominal contractions Cows: 30 min-4 hours that increase in frequency pelvic canal and intensity, rupture of the foetal membranes and expulsion of the foetus

Placental expulsion

Before 12 h postpartum

Foetus

Expulsion of the placenta

Has now been born

1. Dilation stage • Cervix progressively dilates until it reaches approximately the size of a fist.

• The duration of this process varies between 6 and 16 hours, heifers needing the longest.

• Characterised by a specific behaviour: mooing, restlessness, animal lies down and stands up, refuses to eat, etc.

• Repeated series of uterine contractions start at intervals of 15-20 minutes.

• During contractions, which usually last about 15-20 seconds, the foetal membranes progress towards the cervix and eventually cause it to gradually dilate.

• When the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the membranes will appear through the vulva and the calf will be pushed towards the pelvic canal.

Gestación

Stages of normal delivery

Expulsion of the foetus.

3. Placental expulsion stage • In the 6 hours following calving, the placenta will detach and will be expelled with the next stage of contractions.

• If the placenta has not been expelled after 12 hours, it should be considered as a case of retained placenta.

Calving

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

Expulsion of the placenta.

Allantoic sac appearing through the vulva.

After the allantoic sac ruptures, the foetus appears in the amniotic sac.

32

33

GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

Calving takes place in three well-differentiated stages:

2. Foetal expulsion stage

1. Dilation stage 2. Foetal expulsion stage 3. Placental expulsion stage

• Abdominal contractions start as the calf’s head presses against the sacrum.

• Contractions become more frequent (every 2-3 minutes), last longer and increase in intensity.

• Some animals, especially heifers, usually lie on their side.

• Increase in pressure causes the rupture of the foetal membranes. The “waters have broken”.

• Continuous contractions will make the calf move along until it is completely expelled.

Stage

Duration

Cow

Dilation

6-16 hours

Moos, restlessness, Gradually becomes refusal to eat… Finally, the positioned in the foetal membranes can be pelvic canal seen in the vulva

Foetal expulsion

Passes through the Heifers: 1-6 hours Abdominal contractions Cows: 30 min-4 hours that increase in frequency pelvic canal and intensity, rupture of the foetal membranes and expulsion of the foetus

Placental expulsion

Before 12 h postpartum

Foetus

Expulsion of the placenta

Has now been born

1. Dilation stage • Cervix progressively dilates until it reaches approximately the size of a fist.

• The duration of this process varies between 6 and 16 hours, heifers needing the longest.

• Characterised by a specific behaviour: mooing, restlessness, animal lies down and stands up, refuses to eat, etc.

• Repeated series of uterine contractions start at intervals of 15-20 minutes.

• During contractions, which usually last about 15-20 seconds, the foetal membranes progress towards the cervix and eventually cause it to gradually dilate.

• When the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the membranes will appear through the vulva and the calf will be pushed towards the pelvic canal.

Gestación

Stages of normal delivery

Expulsion of the foetus.

3. Placental expulsion stage • In the 6 hours following calving, the placenta will detach and will be expelled with the next stage of contractions.

• If the placenta has not been expelled after 12 hours, it should be considered as a case of retained placenta.

Calving

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

Expulsion of the placenta.

Allantoic sac appearing through the vulva.

After the allantoic sac ruptures, the foetus appears in the amniotic sac.

32

33

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

Presentations

Definitions:

Normal presentations

• Presentation: indicates the relation between the long axis of the foetus and the cow’s pelvic canal (cranial, caudal and transverse).

• Position: indicates which surface of the pelvic canal is in contact with the calf’s back (dorsal, ventral or lateral).

• Posture: indicates the position of the limbs and head, in extension or flexion.

Gestación

In a normal (eutocic) delivery, two presentations are possible: CRANIAL 1 Cranial, with limbs forward.

• Cranial presentation: it is born “head first”.

• Cranio-dorsal position: the calf’s dorsal region is oriented towards the cow’s spine.

• Posture: the forelimbs should be extended forward so that they go through the vulva before the head.

Dystocic presentations

2 Caudal, with limbs forward.

Calving

This is the most common position of the calf.

CAUDAL

3 Cranial, with limbs bent backwards.

4 Caudal, with limbs bent backwards.

5 Transverse.

6 Head bent backwards.

Although this is considered a normal position, it is less frequent and usually implies a slower delivery, and may increase the neonatal mortality of the calf.

• Caudal presentation: it is born “tail first”.

• Cranio-dorsal position.

• Posture: the hindlimbs should be extended towards the vulva.

34

35

2 3

Physiology of calving: Causas distocia normal de delivery

GCE AS T L A V CI N I ÓGN

Presentations

Definitions:

Normal presentations

• Presentation: indicates the relation between the long axis of the foetus and the cow’s pelvic canal (cranial, caudal and transverse).

• Position: indicates which surface of the pelvic canal is in contact with the calf’s back (dorsal, ventral or lateral).

• Posture: indicates the position of the limbs and head, in extension or flexion.

Gestación

In a normal (eutocic) delivery, two presentations are possible: CRANIAL 1 Cranial, with limbs forward.

• Cranial presentation: it is born “head first”.

• Cranio-dorsal position: the calf’s dorsal region is oriented towards the cow’s spine.

• Posture: the forelimbs should be extended forward so that they go through the vulva before the head.

Dystocic presentations

2 Caudal, with limbs forward.

Calving

This is the most common position of the calf.

CAUDAL

3 Cranial, with limbs bent backwards.

4 Caudal, with limbs bent backwards.

5 Transverse.

6 Head bent backwards.

Although this is considered a normal position, it is less frequent and usually implies a slower delivery, and may increase the neonatal mortality of the calf.

• Caudal presentation: it is born “tail first”.

• Cranio-dorsal position.

• Posture: the hindlimbs should be extended towards the vulva.

34

35

When to call the vet

When it comes to assisted calving it is essential to recognise your own limitations. If you see that you are unable to solve a problem yourself, it is better to stop and quickly call your vet. In order to achieve a better prognosis, it is important for the vet to arrive before the cow is exhausted and the pelvic canal completely inflamed. Here are some guidelines that can help you to decide when to call in the professional:

If you have not examined the cow, when should you call the vet?

Heifers

Multiparous cows

• If abdominal contractions do not start after 6 hours for a heifer, or 12 hours for multiparous cows, following the first signs of calving.

• When the dilation stage lasts for more than 4 hours in a heifer, or more than 2 hours in a cow, and the calf’s limbs do not appear through the vulva.

Heifers

Multiparous cows

Heifers

Multiparous cows

Heifers

• When labour fails to progress and the calf is not expelled after 30 minutes in heifers, or one hour for cows, Multiparous cows following the rupture of the foetal membranes and appearance of the calf’s limbs through the vulva.

When 2 hours have gone by since the rupture of the membranes and labour fails to progress, it is necessary to call the vet.

46

C A L V I N G

After having examined the cow, when should you call the vet?

When the examination reveals: • lack of dilation of the pelvic canal or uterine torsion • dystocic presentation of the foetus (see page 35) • foetal malformation • calf that is too big • twin delivery • any other type of problem When, after starting a forced extraction with the help of 2-3 people or a foetal extractor, and despite not detecting any of the problems previously mentioned, the calf does not move forward.

When you are unable to solve a dystocia i.e. a bad presentation, position or posture, within 15 minutes.

• When labour fails to progress after two hours following the rupture of the foetal membranes.

Calving

3

Problematic delivery: dystocia

When the calf does not move forward with the help of two people, it is time to call the vet.

47

When to call the vet

When it comes to assisted calving it is essential to recognise your own limitations. If you see that you are unable to solve a problem yourself, it is better to stop and quickly call your vet. In order to achieve a better prognosis, it is important for the vet to arrive before the cow is exhausted and the pelvic canal completely inflamed. Here are some guidelines that can help you to decide when to call in the professional:

If you have not examined the cow, when should you call the vet?

Heifers

Multiparous cows

• If abdominal contractions do not start after 6 hours for a heifer, or 12 hours for multiparous cows, following the first signs of calving.

• When the dilation stage lasts for more than 4 hours in a heifer, or more than 2 hours in a cow, and the calf’s limbs do not appear through the vulva.

Heifers

Multiparous cows

Heifers

Multiparous cows

Heifers

• When labour fails to progress and the calf is not expelled after 30 minutes in heifers, or one hour for cows, Multiparous cows following the rupture of the foetal membranes and appearance of the calf’s limbs through the vulva.

When 2 hours have gone by since the rupture of the membranes and labour fails to progress, it is necessary to call the vet.

46

C A L V I N G

After having examined the cow, when should you call the vet?

When the examination reveals: • lack of dilation of the pelvic canal or uterine torsion • dystocic presentation of the foetus (see page 35) • foetal malformation • calf that is too big • twin delivery • any other type of problem When, after starting a forced extraction with the help of 2-3 people or a foetal extractor, and despite not detecting any of the problems previously mentioned, the calf does not move forward.

When you are unable to solve a dystocia i.e. a bad presentation, position or posture, within 15 minutes.

• When labour fails to progress after two hours following the rupture of the foetal membranes.

Calving

3

Problematic delivery: dystocia

When the calf does not move forward with the help of two people, it is time to call the vet.

47