Cow calving?

Sharmom · #1 02/18/11, 02:22 PM

Forgive my ignorance. I raise goats. DH is the cow guy here, but he isn't home! I went out to the barn to check on things about an hour ago and found Rosie laying in the stall all calm. Our 7 month heifer was sniffing Rosie's back end, so we decided to take a look and sure enough she had quite a bulge with goo. She is up munching on hay and drinking but acts like nothing is happening.

Is this normal?

What can I expect?

Any calming suggestions are appreciated.

MO_cows · #2 02/18/11, 02:59 PM

Take your cue from Rosie. She isn't panicking.

First calf? If so, I would check her every 1/2 hour or so. Just peek in, don't disturb her. Binoculars can be helpful. If she gets some feet sticking out but doesn't finish the delivery in a hour, get some help. If the feet are hind feet or especially if they are upside down, get some help.

Odds are it will go well and you won't have to do a thing.

Sharmom · #3 02/18/11, 03:15 PM

Yes, it is her first time. DH is home now so I feel calmer!

I will update later.
Thanks!

Callieslamb · #4 02/18/11, 06:30 PM

Don't leave us like that!!! What happened. Wishing a heifer for you and an easy birth.

myersfarm · #5 02/18/11, 06:42 PM

Update please

Sharmom · #6 02/18/11, 07:22 PM

Oh, my gosh, this is killing me! She is doing absolutely nothing! These are a few pictures I took.

Cow calving? - Cattle

randiliana · #7 02/18/11, 07:30 PM

I don't think she is doing much yet. If they are laying on their tail, they aren't calving. Most likely what you saw was a bit of a vaginal prolapse, not uncommon in late gestation. Can be caused by a fat cow, a big calf or the animal just may be prone to it. It isn't a problem as long as it goes back in when she gets up. There is a belief that it can be a genetic thing too.

randiliana · #8 02/18/11, 07:30 PM

Pictures of her standing up, from behind and the side would be more helpful.

Sharmom · #9 02/18/11, 07:56 PM

I will try to get better pictures tomorrow morning.

stormywood · #10 02/19/11, 06:28 AM

Odds are it will go well and you won't have to do a thing.

My DH tells me this to, I don't believe him. As he is an OTR driver, I respond with" NO cow babies until you are home fulltime!"

Goats and pigs having babies stresses me out enough! It seems like if something is gonna go wrong, it will, when he isn't home!

Best of luck! Blessings for a healthy, no problem delivery and a sweet baby!

7thswan · #11 02/19/11, 08:48 AM

Sometimes the baby just pushes her out like that. She can get up and everything will look normal. We had a cow that had this issue. Just to be safe tho keep an eye on her.

Sharmom · #12 02/19/11, 09:18 AM

Well, tells you how much I know! She is still pregnant today and acting completely fine. I think you are all right about it just being the baby pushing on her or a prolapse. I can't get any pics of her standing up because she keeps turning to see what I'm doing. Argh! I will have DH help when he gets home.

Thanks for all the great information. You are all great! I will try not to freak out. Now if my goat girls behaved like this....