: What are good signs that cow is going to calve? I am a beginner and have had them preg. tested. They are due now.<p>Good question. We are still trying to figure that one completely out. Someone once told us that when you see slime (vaginal discharge), you were only day(s) away. I'm not sure if that is very true. We have had "slime" for weeks before calves and would have gallons of it if we were collecting it. Some also say a cow will hold it's tail up more often when the time is near. For us, the best indicators are a tight udder (& full teats) and behavior. Most cows/heifers seem to prowl or roam and be often off by themselves shortly before calving. They are also "broken" down (sloping/loose)in pelvic area. They also will exhibit less content behavior-and won't be eating and chewing their cudd. Personally, it would be nice if they would just turn bright pink about 12 hrs before they were to calve and help everybody. <p>Good Luck calving. If you know exact dates that they were bred, you may want to check out the 283 gestation table. It is a good estimate. Some breeds are longer and others are shorter. But like people, you can have "+" or "-" a good 10 days or so. Watch the weather too. It seems that weather changes (especially low pressure systems) seem to help trigger things as well. And, it is often inevitable that you will have at least one during the coldest night of the year or during a 38 degreee rain. Best of Luck, your fun is just beginning. Be sure to have on hand some basic supplies (bottle/tube kit, colostrum or milk, something for scours, electrolytes)just in case.<p>P.S. Research has also shown that if you are feeding your cows daily, start doing it late in the day, as it will stimulate more daytime calving.
