Bad Breach presentation

[WFfarm]

We found a cow trying to calve yesterday morning with a bad breach presentation. Calf's tail was only thing coming out, no feet. Cow had been in labor for several hours when we found her. She was sprawled out and bloated, thought she was dead when we walked up on her. Called the vet and they would be 45 minute ETA. Got to work.

Able to roll he back on her belly, got feet pulled around under her and soon heard a long burp that relieved the bloat. Huge calf and we tried to push it back in to reorient but no luck. Couldn't get the cow to stand. She was exhausted but still trying to push. Vet finally arrived and was able to get an epi shot in her. Had to strap and lift the back end with the loader to try and get the calf back in but no luck. Calf was dead and starting to bloat. C section was not a good option on a cow that can't stand and out in the elements. Had to cut both back legs off with the OB wire and were able to pull the rest of the calf out by the pelvis. Vet got meds and an IV in for the cow. She was doing better in the evening, but still not able to get up. We'll have to work with her over the next couple days, but we may still loose the cow. Not a fun way to start of the calving season.

 

[Warren Allison]

What kind of cow? And what kinda bull was she bred to?

 

[WFfarm]

What kind of cow? And what kinda bull was she bred to?

Simm Angus cow. This would be her fifth calf. Bread to our Simmental herd bull. She's a good docile cow about 1500 lbs and had no problems before. We've used this bull the last three years without any issues. The calf was huge 100+ lbs. It was heavy dragging to the truck without the back legs.

 

[RDFF]

I feel for ya WF... never a good day when this happens.

 

[Travlr]

Simm Angus cow. This would be her fifth calf. Bread to our Simmental herd bull. She's a good docile cow about 1500 lbs and had no problems before. We've used this bull the last three years without any issues. The calf was huge 100+ lbs. It was heavy dragging to the truck without the back legs.

It's not the cow or the bull's fault on a malpresentation. Just bad luck.

 

[RDFF]

Trying to figure out where you're located, and what local accent that might represent.............. Location: Weastern NY ?

 

[Dsth]

hope your cow makes a speedy recovery. calving season seems to always have some surprises along the way. it seems like you can never watch them close enough. hope you have good luck with the rest of your calving season.

 

[Warren Allison]

Simm Angus cow. This would be her fifth calf. Bread to our Simmental herd bull. She's a good docile cow about 1500 lbs and had no problems before. We've used this bull the last three years without any issues. The calf was huge 100+ lbs. It was heavy dragging to the truck without the back legs.

@Travlr is right. Not anything to do with the bull or cow. Sometimes sh*t happens, and it sucks. Glad you wee able to get the vet out when you did. Here's hoping your cow recovers.

 

[Warren Allison]

Sometimes this helps me when I have wanted to throw in the towel.

 

[Ky hills]

Like others have said, no fault of cow or bull just sometimes happens that way.
If the calf had of been coming right the cow most likely wouldn't have had any problems.
I've had several breech births over the years from several breeds and a couple presented like that one.
Even a mature cow bred to a calving ease Angus bull will most likely require assistance with a regular breech birth.

 

[Silver]

Sorry about your luck. Breech can be difficult enough when they are in the chute and caught early let alone well advanced and out in the pasture.
I think I did 3 breech calves this year. And several backwards calves as well.

 

[gcreekrch]

Sorry about your luck. Breech can be difficult enough when they are in the chute and caught early let alone well advanced and out in the pasture.
I think I did 3 breech calves this year. And several backwards calves as well.

I'm not saying nothing. Yet.

 

[WFfarm]

@Travlr is right. Not anything to do with the bull or cow. Sometimes sh*t happens, and it sucks. Glad you wee able to get the vet out when you did. Here's hoping your cow recovers.

This was the first we've had in a while and hope we don't have to deal with it again in a long while. We have been lucky the last couple years to have had 100% live calves out of a 35 head herd.