The cow is straining yet the calf is not coming.
There can only be two reasons – either the calf is too large to pass through the pelvis, or it is incorrectly positioned.
Most minor malpresentations can be corrected by producers, but only if they can figure out how the calf is positioned by feeling blindly through a narrow pelvis.
This is where having a dog helps.
For fun, put on a blindfold and sit next to your dog.
Have someone move the dog around so you don’t know which leg you touch first.
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The toes of a hind foot feel no different than those on a foreleg, but if you feel the leg further up, you can tell the difference.
A calf is the same.
The front leg is straight, but the hind leg has a sharp angle at the hock.
Most producers follow the rule of three that says three things should be in the birth canal at the same time to ensure a normal birth: either two forelegs and a head; or two hindlegs and a tail.
The calf is malpositioned if the rule of three is not in place.
To correct a calf’s position, go back to the dog idea and picture it jumping through a hole in the fence.
The calf needs to mimic this position to pass through the birth canal. If the calf is backward, just reverse the idea.
The accompanying table provides solutions for the most common malpresentations that occur in cattle.
If the solution is not evident, it can mean the calf is deformed or there is another complication that requires professional help.
When a calf is too large for the cow’s pelvis, a caesarean is required.
There are no set rules for evaluating whether a calf will fit through the pelvis.
One suggestion is to check if the forelimbs are crossed over in the birth canal. This can indicate pressure from the pelvis on the elbows.
Unfortunately, small calves can sometimes have crossed forelegs so this is not a totally reliable observation.
Shoulders and pelvis are the widest parts of the calf. If the head is tightly wedged in the pelvis, it is unlikely that the shoulders will be able to pass.
If a producer can pass a hand around the shoulders inside the pelvis, the calf will probably be small enough to be delivered naturally.
If the calf is coming tail and hind legs first, it is important to pass a hand around the hips to check for space in the pelvis.
The calf can probably be delivered if it is possible to get around the hips.
A caesarean is more likely needed if the hips are tight.
When it is unclear if the calf will pass, attempts can be made to pull the calf out, but only if it is done carefully, with minimal force.
A calf puller should never be used unless the producer knows for sure the calf will come through the pelvis.
Ropes and chains can be attached to the calf’s legs, but they have to be put on correctly to avoid injury. Your veterinarian can demonstrate the proper way to apply chains.
A firm pull should easily move the calf through the birth canal. Veterinary care is needed immediately if no progress is made.
