New Calf Information

Gestation

Vulva becomes very swollen and pliable due to edema
May see a “mucus plug” discharged as stringy material
Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments
Mammary activity—enlargement of the mammary gland and secretion of milk can occur up to a month prior to calving
May seek isolation from the herd just prior to calving

Stages of labor:
Dilation of the cervix, 2–6 hours
Fetus is changing into final position and dam is very restless
Expulsion of the fetus, 0.5–1 hour
Dam may be in down and straining; appearance and rupture of a waterbag; delivery of fetus
Expulsion of the fetal membranes, 6–12 hours
Dam is more relaxed, may strain to release fetal membranes, begins cleaning baby and dam should get up shortly after birth

If any of these things do not occur in an appropriate time frame, contact your veterinarian.

Reasons for concern:

Dam is too fat or thin. This can cause dam to have a difficult time calving. An appropriate Body Condition Score should be a 5 or a 6. You may need to have an outside source score your herd because you see them everyday.
Calf is overdue more than 2 weeks. Possibly no concern, but an exam is warranted.
During labor you should see 2 feet and a nose and correct progression of delivery.

Calf needs to get up and nurse within 6 hours after being born. In order to protect the calf, colostrum needs to be administered either from dam or owner orally within the first 24 hours of life.
Check respiration of calf; clean nostrils and rub body to stimulate; check for birth defects
Check dam for another calf
Make sure that dam expels the placenta; may need a shot of oxytocin or a vet visit
Make sure that the dam has good quality of colostrum (should be golden and sticky) and has plenty of milk; may need to supplement the calf or dam may need a shot of oxytocin