Parturition

Parturition

• What is it?– The process of

giving birth

Signs of Parturition• Distended (swollen) udder• Fluid from udder changes

from a watery solution to the thick, milky colostrum

• Muscles in the rear begin to shrink and fall away

• enlargement & swelling of the vulva

• Nervous & uneasy behavior• Muscular contractions as

labor begins

Presentation of the Fetus• The first water bag appears on the outside,

increasing in size until it ruptures due to its own weight.

• Immediately after the first water bag, the amniotic bladder (the second water bag) follows, containing the fetus.

• The amniotic bladder ruptures, straining on the female becomes more pronounced and presentation of the fetus soon follows.

Normal Presentation• The most common

presentation is as follows:– front feet first, followed

by the nose resting on them

– Shoulders

– Middle

– Hips

– Hind feet and legs• If presentation is normal & within 1-2

hours after the first signs of labor, no assistance is necessary.

Abnormal Presentation• Anterior Presentations:

– Hind feet in pelvis

– Both forelegs bent at the knees

– Head upward & backward

– One foreleg bent at knee

Abnormal Presentations

• Buttock Presentation

• Back Presentation

Abnormal Presentation

• What should be done to assist if problems occur?

Post-Partum Care

• Make sure offspring has received colostrum– What is Colostrum

• First milk containing antibodies

• Dry off offspring if the mother hasn’t after about 30 minutes

• Dip umbilical cord/navel in iodine to prevent infection

Newborn Calf• A vigorous calf will attempt to stand in about

15 minutes and will usually be nursing within 30 - 60 minutes.

• Human assistance is sometimes necessary to get a calf to begin nursing. The weaker the calf, the longer it takes for it to begin nursing.

• Clean newborn animals using appropriate resources, to ensure that they are dry. Gently remove all mucus and foreign matter from the mouth and nasal passage.

The Afterbirth

• Three to six hours after parturition the placenta is expelled. – The placenta is commonly known as the

afterbirth.

• If the placenta remains in the cow for more than 24 hours, it must be removed manually.

Supplies

• Obstetrical Chains

• Calf Puller

• Plastic Gloves

• Disinfectant

• Vaseline

• Navel Cord Clamp

• Iodine