Emphasis mine
Copied from:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department ... ent#Stages
Retained Placenta
A cow normally loses her afterbirth (placenta) within two to six hours after giving birth, A placenta which has not been passed by 12 hours is considered a retained placenta. If the cow shows no signs of illness (e.g., fever, off feed) there is little cause for alarm.
Most cows will expel a retained placenta within six to eight days after calving. Manual removal should be avoided to prevent excessive haemorrhage in the uterus or introducing additional infection into the uterus. The placenta is best left alone or simply cut off where it hangs out of the vulva. It is not recommended that uterine boluses be put into the uterus routinely as this may result in a delay of the decomposition of the placenta and, therefore, prolong its passage.
If an animal with a retained placenta loses her appetite or seems dull and lethargic, it may have an elevated temperature, Injections of an antibiotic should be given daily until her appetite is normal. Consult your veterinarian if she does not appear to be responding to treatment.
Copied from:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department ... ent#Stages
Retained Placenta
A cow normally loses her afterbirth (placenta) within two to six hours after giving birth, A placenta which has not been passed by 12 hours is considered a retained placenta. If the cow shows no signs of illness (e.g., fever, off feed) there is little cause for alarm.
Most cows will expel a retained placenta within six to eight days after calving. Manual removal should be avoided to prevent excessive haemorrhage in the uterus or introducing additional infection into the uterus. The placenta is best left alone or simply cut off where it hangs out of the vulva. It is not recommended that uterine boluses be put into the uterus routinely as this may result in a delay of the decomposition of the placenta and, therefore, prolong its passage.
If an animal with a retained placenta loses her appetite or seems dull and lethargic, it may have an elevated temperature, Injections of an antibiotic should be given daily until her appetite is normal. Consult your veterinarian if she does not appear to be responding to treatment.