What to do with dystocia calves at birth?
If you have a hand in delivering calves, take steps to reduce trauma to the calf. This may mean turning the calf 45 degrees as soon as the head and legs are out. This strategy will match the shape of the calf’s hips with the dam’s pelvic structure. Direct manual dilation of the dam may make a big difference in calf trauma, also. Always scrub the vaginal area as well as your hands. Manually stretching the vaginal tissues may require five to ten minutes of steady effort. As soon as the calf’s chest is out of the dam, it is not too soon to start oxygen supplementation. Oxygen supplementation may be continued after the calf is on the ground, too. Calf stimulation as soon as the calf is out of the dam is vital to survival. Use a clean bath towel to rub the calf “fluff dry.” Concentrate efforts especially around the neck and shoulders. Those areas best stimulate strong breathing responses. Get the calf standing as soon as possible. Consider spending the extra time to encourage all dystocia c
