cow finally calving (I think)

[mulecreek]

OK my cow is finally about to calve well actually she is a little over due. She was due last Friday. She is swollen, her bag is full and she is oosing a little. Here is the question. She is still eating. I do not mean just nibbling she is stuffing it in. Is this normal? What are signs I should look for to be sure. I work off the farm I drive 32 miles one way, so I really can not just RUN home and check during the day and I want to be home when she has it. This is her first calve and I want things to go smooth.

 

[hillsdown]

I have moved them from one barn to the other with the legs sticking out and they still stop to stuff their faces.

But usually they load up on food really heavily right before they calve like 12 hours or so because they know instinctively that they are going to be staying put for a while with their new little one.

I would say any time now but it's up to them .

 

[Keren]

I have seen a heifer standing at a round bale of hay stuffing herself. She then sat down (continued eating), heaved once and out came a little heifer calf. She stood up again and continued eating, occasionally turning round and mooing at the calf. After about 5 minutes she decided she better stop eating and lick it

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Those are "exceptions to the rule" according to research. Most generally, cattle consume much less feed 12 hours prior to calving. No two cows are alike. We can't tell you definately what to look for to tell you she is definately going to calve.
"Usual early signs":
Really tight "shiny" teats. Ligaments loosen making the tail head appear hollow on each side & makes tail head look high.
"Impending signs":
Seperates herself from the herd. Restless. Tail slightly held out away from body. Wringing tail. Stomping feet. A lot of clear "slimy" discharge. Tries to urinate/deficate often.

 

[CPL]

I have seen a heifer standing at a round bale of hay stuffing herself. She then sat down (continued eating), heaved once and out came a little heifer calf. She stood up again and continued eating, occasionally turning round and mooing at the calf. After about 5 minutes she decided she better stop eating and lick it

That had to have been a sight to see!

 

[ALACOWMAN]

I have seen a heifer standing at a round bale of hay stuffing herself. She then sat down (continued eating), heaved once and out came a little heifer calf. She stood up again and continued eating, occasionally turning round and mooing at the calf. After about 5 minutes she decided she better stop eating and lick it

sound's like a brahman.. they have too tighting up to cough. :lol2:

 

[Keren]

I have seen a heifer standing at a round bale of hay stuffing herself. She then sat down (continued eating), heaved once and out came a little heifer calf. She stood up again and continued eating, occasionally turning round and mooing at the calf. After about 5 minutes she decided she better stop eating and lick it

sound's like a brahman.. they have too tighting up to cough. :lol2:

:lol2: :lol2:

CPL I wouldnt have believed it if I didnt go over and touch the calf! Started wondering what was in my orange juice that morning :lol2:

 

[mulecreek]

To all of you that helped me and answered my plee, I did finally get the LONG awaited calf. He was born Tuesday (6/17) about 3:30 in the morning. I will post a picture for you to see when I remember to take the camera out to the field. She and the calf are fine. Thank you again for all the help.

 

[birdog]

Congrats, glad it all worked out. Pics soon :nod: