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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
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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