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Post by franklinridgefarms on Jan 19, 2020 18:51:11 GMT -6
This may be common knowledge that I am not aware of, or maybe just my limited observations, but I believe that from what I have seen the majority of abnormal position births are usually associated with a larger than usual calf? I have seen or heard on occasion a statement like if the calf was turned right the cow would have been able to have it. For the majority of instances though it appears to me that calves that are breech or leg turned wrong seem to almost invariably be larger than the calves that come unassisted?
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Post by okie on Jan 19, 2020 19:52:21 GMT -6
I think you'd be surprised at how many abnormal presentations you don't know about because the cows just handle it. Large and abnormal presentation are just the ones that get our attention because we have to step in.
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Post by birddog on Jan 19, 2020 20:00:40 GMT -6
Common sense tells you that a old experienced cow can get a small calf delivered no matter the presentation. I watched an old cow deliver one last year that was upside down with no head in sight. It wasn't tiny, probably 65 lbs. She was fighting mad at me for disturbing her and this may have led to the successful delivery.
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Post by ebenezer on Jan 20, 2020 8:18:10 GMT -6
Cow shape and calf shape seem to be a key, too. I unfortunately tried some small squarer type cows in the past. There was a higher % more issue with abnormal birth issues. I have had a number of regular shaped cows to deliver breach in the past. But a breach birth in a small square type cow is either a major ordeal or a death sentence. Some of it has to do with the calf being shaped like the dam and being more "basketball" than "snake". But the Vet told me that the compressed type cow has less uterus space to allow calf movement. No scientific facts, no real proof, 100% opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2020 19:59:40 GMT -6
I don't know that I've ever heard of an unassisted breech birth. Backwards certainly, but not breech. That would be something to see.
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Post by 76bar on Jan 21, 2020 10:51:44 GMT -6
Agree with Silver. Knock on wood I've never encountered a breech. Kiss of death sans an immediate C section. FWIW Backwards (hind feet first) is NOT breech but is cause for concern & necessitates a speedy delivery to ensure survival of both the cow and calf.
Culling females and especially 1st CH's who require intervention not due to mismanagement or their and/or your proclivity for stupidity goes a long ways in eliminating calving problems.
K.I.S.S.
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Post by alacowman on Jan 21, 2020 16:47:48 GMT -6
Had a breech one cold rainy March day..she'd been pushing awhile by the time I got in from work..had to rope a lay her down in the pasture.pushing the calf back foward ,and cup the rear feet with one hand and bring feet back while still pushing forward, she was a simbrah so there was plenty of room to work with..😉Got the calf out,,,cow up.. and she thanked me by helping me back on the tractor ...
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Post by jeanne on Jan 27, 2020 5:40:38 GMT -6
I've never seen it done, but I was told you can use a toilet plunger to push the calf back, put end against your chest while you have both hands free to get legs up.
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