Understanding the stages of birthing is critical to identify when or if we need to provide help during calving season. Producers and veterinary teams alike want to increase the likelihood a calf is born alive and off to a good start, writes Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension.
With calving season just around the corner and labor challenges across the industry, it is a good time to review when or if a cow needs help.
Source: BEEF, January 11, 2022. Link. Johnson shares pertinent information on the three stages of delivery:
- Dilation of the cervix
- Delivery of the calf
- Delivery of the placenta
INSIGHTS: It is a good idea for bovine practitioners to review calving history from the past year or two to identify where the emergency calving calls originated. Consider calling these producers to check in, discuss any concerns, ensure they have trained help and any products needed when calves start to drop.