BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 1 of 5. Standard Operating Procedure Simpson Beef Cattle Farm Clemson University

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1 BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 1 of 5 Standard Operating Procedure Simpson Beef Cattle Farm Clemson University Section I: Title SOP ID: BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Title: Beef Cattle Farm Calving Observation and Assistance Author(s): John Parrish, DVM, University Veterinarian; Gary Burns, Simpson Beef Cattle Farm Manager Approval Signatures: University and Attending Veterinarian / Date Facility Manager / Date Disclaimer: This SOP has been prepared and approved for sole use by the Clemson University Simpson Beef Cattle Farm and may not be applicable to other facilities. Changes to this SOP require approval by the University Veterinarian. Reviewed by Signature Date

2 BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 2 of 5 Section II: Procedure Beef Cattle Farm Calving Observation and Assistance Cows and heifers will be checked every 4 hours by fulltime personnel or student that has been trained in observation of cows during calving. Understanding normal will help us better recognize problems when they occur and therefore provide assistance when necessary. Stage 1 The first stage of parturition is dilation of the cervix. The normal cervix is tightly closed right up until the cervical plug is completely dissolved. In stage 1, cervical dilation begins 4 to 24 hours before the completion of parturition. During this time the progesterone block is no longer present and the uterine muscles are becoming more sensitive to all factors that increase the rate and strength of contractions. At the beginning, the contractile forces primarily influence the relaxation of the cervix but uterine muscular activity is still rather quiet. Stage 1 is likely to go completely unnoticed, but there may be some behavioral differences such as isolation or discomfort. At the end of stage one, there may be come behavioral changes such as elevation of the tail, switching of the tail and increased mucous discharge. Before pulling a calf in stage 2, it is imperative that stage 1 (cervical dilation) is complete. Stage 2 The second stage of parturition is defined as the delivery of the newborn. It begins with the entrance of the membranes and fetus into the pelvic canal and ends with the completed birth of the calf. So, the second stage is the one in which we really are interested. Clinically, and from a practical aspect we would define it as the appearance of membranes or water bag at the vulva. Stage 2 in cattle lasts from 2 to 4 hours.. If stage two progresses more than 1 hour after the appearance of water bag at the vulva, the cow/heifer should be examined and assistance provided as needed. For older cows that have had successful deliveries before, birth should go quite rapidly unless there is some abnormality such as a very large calf, backwards calf, leg back, or twins. Stage 3 The third stage of parturition is the shedding of the placenta or fetal membranes. In cattle this normally occurs in less than 8-12 hours after the calf is expelled. The membranes are considered retained if after 12 hours they have not been shed. Years ago it was considered necessary to remove the membranes by manually unbuttoning the attachments. Research has shown that manual removal is detrimental to uterine health and future conception rates. Administration of antibiotics usually will guard against infection and the placenta will slough out in 4-7 days.

BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 3 of 5 Beef Cattle Farm Calving Flow Chart Cow and Heifers will be checked every 4 hours by fulltime personnel or students that have been

If labor does not progress to calving within 1 hour, perform a vaginal exam to check the position of the calf.

Wear clean breeding sleeves and clean the vaginal area with warm water and surgical scrub prior to the exam.

3 BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 3 of 5 Beef Cattle Farm Calving Flow Chart Cow and Heifers will be checked every 4 hours by fulltime personnel or students that have been trained Stage 1 Stage 2 If the cow calves, insure the calf is breathing and the cow is accepting the calf. Check on the calf again at the next scheduled check. If labor does not progress to calving within 1 hour, perform a vaginal exam to check the position of the calf. Vaginal exams should only be performed by an experienced herdmen or a veterinarian. Use only lubricants that do not contain polyethylene polymers. Wear clean breeding sleeves and clean the vaginal area with warm water and surgical scrub prior to the exam. Use a new, clean pair of breeding sleeves when conducting the exam. Apply ample lubricant for the exam and any subsequent procedures. Normal calf position Picture from: Normal water bag presentation in early labor. Image from: calfdelivery.htm

BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 4 of 5 If the calf is in any position other than the one above (normal position) or if there is no labor progres, the cow will need assistance to calve.

4 BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 4 of 5 If the calf is in any position other than the one above (normal position) or if there is no labor progres, the cow will need assistance to calve. Only experienced personnel should assist with difficult deliveries. Abnormal calf positions Picture from: p/g2007 Locate the front legs. Place obstetric chains around the front legs as shown. Place a loop around the fetlock and a half hitch around the pastern with the chain running along the top of the foot. It is possible to extract the calf rear legs first, but this can be more difficult. If this is necessary, place the chains around the rear legs in the same manner. Proper OB chain placement Picture from: If needed, reposition the calf to noraml presentation. If you are not able to reposition the calf, contact farm management and/or a veterinarian for assistance. Hook obstetric handles to the free end of the OB chains. With the legs properly positioned, apply tension to the chains in an alternating fashion to extract the calf. Apply tension to OB chains in an alternating pattern to walk the calf out. Picture From: If no progress can be made by hand pulling, contact farm management for assistance. If the calf is extracted up to the point of the hips and progress cannot be made easily, push the calf back in a short distance. Rotate the calf slightly and try pulling again in a slow alternating fashion. If the calf is still "locked in" contact a veterinarian for assistance.

5 BF-AH-030v1 January 2016 Page 5 of 5 After Delivery After the calf has been delivered, clean the calf as soon as possible. If the calf is not breathing, insert a straw into a nostril to elicit a sneezing reaction or remove fluid from airways mannually with a suction bulb or other recussetation device. Move the calf a safe distance from the cow and allow it to stand. Apply generous amounts of iodine solution to the calf's navel to prevent infection. If the cow is up and steady, allow her to lick the calf clean. This will stimulate the calf and elicit an oxytocin release in the cow. If you are concerned about a cow that has recently calved, contact farm management as soon as possible. Move the cow and calf to a pen until the cow accepts the calf and the calf has nursed. Return cow and calf to the pasture.

Recognizing and Handling Calving Problems

E-246 1-10 Recognizing and Handling Calving Problems CONTENTS The Calving Process...3 Examining the Cow...5 Necessary Equipment...9 Giving Assistance...9 Helping the Calf...10 Caring for the Cow...11 Making