How to Observe the Birth of a Calf

Fortunately, birthing a calf is a procedure that cows have been doing by themselves for centuries. However, if it is your first time or your cow's first delivery, there are several things to watch for in a normal delivery and to watch out for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Watches
• Veterinarian

1. Keep an eye on a pregnant cow when you notice her pulling away from the rest of the herd - often into a corner if in a pasture - for birth is imminent.
2. Make note of the time when you first see the cow in obvious labor. Her sides will inflate (almost like she is holding her breath - she is!). When she goes into obvious labor, you may see the sack of waters rupture (or it may have done so earlier).
3. Keep a very sharp eye on your cow for the next hour or so if your cow labors for more than thirty minutes without your being able to see, at the very least, the calf's feet.
4. Don't be alarmed if your cow gets up on her feet when the calf's feet show and turn and sniff at the fluids and the ruptured sack of waters. This is not unusual, but can sure make you impatient for her to get on with business. More fluids, including a small amount of blood, are not out of the ordinary.
5. Expect to see a calf in a few minutes after the cow lies down again. Her labor will become much more intense, and she will probably lay over on her side.
6. Look for the calf's head to begin to show. The shoulders are the next big push or two and, finally, out slides your new calf.
7. Observe the new momma quickly get back on her feet and, with afterbirth hanging out of her, begin licking her new baby.
8. Watch the calf shake its head, slapping still-wet ears back and forth on its neck once the cow's licking starts. The calf will soon raise its head and kick a little.
9. Wait up to thirty minutes for the calf to be licked clean and all dried off. Then comes the effort of standing up. If the calf does not stand, it sure can't get any milk!
10. Anticipate, after several attempts and subsequent failures, your new calf to finally find its feet, and with its mother licking and encouraging, the colostrum (mother's first milk) goes happily down.
11. Give a sigh of relief and joy. A sucking calf, its little tail switching from contentedness, and a cow licking the calf, is every cattle-raiser's desired end to a successful birth.

Tips & Warnings

• Call in a vet at any sign of danger to the cow or her calf!