ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFORMATION

CATTLE

Parturition and Care of Young

Parturition

Signs of approaching parturition: Extreme relaxation of sacrosciatic ligament, enlargement of udder and engorgement of teat, vulval tumefaction and flow of liquefied cervical seal are some of the prominent signs of approaching parturition. Colostrum is first noticed in the udder 96 hours before calving which increases towards parturition.

Duration of parturition

The first stage of calving or the preparatory stage lasts for 2-6 hours. Restlessness, frequent micturition and passing of dung, raising of tail and frequently lying and getting up are some of the symptoms.

The second stage or stage of expulsion of foetus takes about 30 min to 2 hours. Generally the calf comes out with forelimbs fully extended head and neck resting on limbs.

The third stage or stage of expulsion of placenta occurs within 3-12 hours of calving. Even after 2 hours of the rupture of the first water bag (Allanto chorionic sac) and in spite of vigorous straining efforts, if birth of foetus does not take place veterinary aid should be sought.

The expulsion of placenta usually occurs within 12 hours of calving. The expelled placenta should be immediately removed, so as to prevent the animal from eating it. If the placenta is not expelled even after 12 hours of calving, veterinary aid should be sought to remove the placenta manually.

Care of new born

•  Foetal membrane covering the nose and muzzle, and the mucus covering the nostrils should be removed soon after birth of the calf.

•  The body of the calf should be wiped clean.

•  If foetal respiration is delayed, alternate pressing and releasing of the chest is indicated. Respiration can also be initiated by opening the mouth and tickling the tongue/nostrils. Still if the calf is not breathing the mucous may be sucked out and expired air may be blown-in through the nostrils to stimulate respiration.

•  If the umbilical cord is not broken at the time of birth of the calf, tie it at two places 5 cm apart from the umbilicus and cut it in between the knots. The cut end should be disinfected with tincture iodine.

•  Colostrum should be fed to the calf soon after birth.

Cows normally come to heat 30 to 45 days after parturition and thereafter it cycles regularly. The cows can be inseminated in the heat period after 45 days of parturition. Service period (days between parturition and next successful insemination) of 90 to 120 days is considered optimum.

Last updated: 23-8-2006