Assisted calving should not be an event that occurs regularly in any herd, but it is useful to know what to do should you have a cow that needs some help delivering her calf.
This Jersey first-calver had been in labour for about 90 minutes when I stopped to have a look at her. The calf is presenting as it should, front feet first, but the animal is showing signs of struggle. She is restless, getting up then lying down and frequently turning her head to look at her belly. The head turning is often a sign of pain. On the plus side, the membrane surrounding the calf is still intact.









Zolile is a stockman with 25 years of experience and a specialist in steam-ups (cows very close to calving), calving and calf rearing. It’s 08:10.






