Charlotte due soon - need help

Rocktown Gal · #1 04/18/13, 06:32 AM

Charlotte is due to delivery soon. I am concerned for her since last year she could not deliver her calf and it died.

Is there a chance that this will happen again? What should I be looking for. Any help appreciated. Thanks Much!

G. Seddon · #2 04/18/13, 11:28 AM

Hard to predict what could happen this year, but I would keep this cow up where you can easily check on her (day or night) with a companion cow if possible, familiarize yourself with signs of imminent calving, and have your vet's number handy in case you run into problems. Know when to call the vet and don't hesitate to do it.

Rocktown Gal · #3 04/18/13, 11:34 AM

Thanks, we are getting an area ready for her in the barn. She will have a stall and some grassy area to herself. She is close (as usual I do not know the date - as I run the bull with them at all times). She is bagging up. I do know what to look for and I do have the vet's number right here taped to the phone

I think I'm ready. I'm here most of the day by myself. Lucky for me...hubby is off on weekends.

SpaceCadet12364 · #4 04/18/13, 12:46 PM

Check on her frequently from a distance if possible. If she starts to deliver keep your distance and watch if it starts to take too long call the vet and give him/her the info and ask for advice or if they could come out and check on her.

CJBegins · #5 04/18/13, 01:13 PM

What kind of cow is she and what is she bred to? What was she bred to last year? That can mean a live cow/calf pair or not. Some breeds tend to be diffcult to deliver for some cows others not so much.

Is she full grown and has met her full growth potential? Does she have narrow hips or wide hips? Is this her second calf?

I think you were given good advice to keep a close watch on her. I am sending a 4 year old to butcher monday. She hasn't been able to deliver a live calf yet. Something is just not right with this cow. First calf was full term but stillborn. Second was about 6 weeks early. She will earn her keep in meat now.

Rocktown Gal · #6 04/18/13, 01:24 PM

CJ - Highland bred to a highland...also bred to highland last year. She is full grown...this will be her 2nd calf.

Space - I'll keep an eye on her

SpaceCadet12364 · #7 04/18/13, 03:45 PM

I am watching one now. She had a breach last year. It's been about 14mos. and she is acting like she is looking for a place to have it. Laying down frequently ,not eating like normal . you know miserable. Bagged up. I am hoping for a heifer to replace the one she lost( first and only heifer from our current bull). reg. highland.

tinknal · #8 04/18/13, 07:10 PM

Breech calves are tough to deal with. Soon after a cow starts straining you should see "calf parts". If she starts straining and nothing appears within an hour you at least need to get a hand in her and see what is going on. With a correct presentation you should first see hooves, in the upright position. If the bottom of the hooves are facing upward it means you have a backward calf. Many cows can deliver a backward calf but they often need help.

Do you have a way to restrain the cow if you (or the vet) need to help her out?

SpaceCadet12364 · #9 04/18/13, 09:21 PM

Last year what came out first was a tail. then it it was way to late. got the vet out and pulled a white heifer she was already dead. We where just glad to save the cow. By the time the vet got out she could not stand anymore so we pulled while she was lying down shortly later she stood up. Then Your mind goes to will she breed again well that is yes. Will she deliver a calf ok. We will see she is my silver cow and has had three calves.Time will tell all.

opportunity · #10 04/18/13, 10:11 PM

I have lost a highland bull calf to a heifer the was bred to my highland bull the calf was 85 pounds no way it was coming out broke the mama when it tried. Same year I had a highland/red angus heifer bred to my highland bull she had a calf that was huge about 90 pounds also a bull that we lost. I'm not sure why the bull suddenly had huge babies they averaged 85 pounds that year from the highland had been 65 before that. We watch much closer now that we have seen problems and a vet moved to our area so we also have help now when we need it.

SpaceCadet12364 · #11 04/19/13, 05:25 AM

RTG how goes baby watch?

Rocktown Gal · #12 04/19/13, 09:41 AM

Space, nothing yet

Rocktown Gal · #13 05/04/13, 06:35 AM

Charlotte's bag is really big. I am going to go down and take a pic here in a little bit.

G. Seddon · #14 05/04/13, 08:08 AM

I was hoping you had a nice calf by now. Yes, pictures are always good!

Rocktown Gal · #15 05/04/13, 08:14 AM

This is what Charlotte looks like now.

G. Seddon · #16 05/04/13, 08:27 AM

I'd say soon, very soon!

Rocktown Gal · #17 05/04/13, 09:04 AM

Hopefully this weekend! I so can't wait for this baby.

CJBegins · #18 05/04/13, 10:06 AM

I agree, very soon! Fingers crossed and saying a prayer for your girl!

Carla

SpaceCadet12364 · #19 05/04/13, 08:36 PM

I would say next day or two. She appears to be well rounded and carrying the calf high. Possible large calf or twins. But I think it will be a bull.I hope everything goes easy and smooth.

DragonFlyFarm · #20 05/06/13, 11:15 AM

How's Charlotte today?