Randi
Well-known member
Backwards.... The backwards presentation is considered a normal presentation. This is because cows can deliver a backwards calf unassisted. Breech is a backwards calf with 1 or both legs down/back. There are likely more calves born backwards than we realize. I have seen a few backwards calves born without assistance. However, if I see a backwards presentation I always consider it an emergency.
The backwards presentation can be a problem for a few reasons.
1. The calf is coming bum first. Unlike calves coming forwards who are streamlined to make delivery easier as they begin small and work towards the largest part of the calf, backwards calves get right to the biggest part of the calf first. This may not be a problem with smaller calves, but with big calves assistance is often required.
2. The tail can cause problems if it isn't tucked down between the buttocks. If it isn't it can catch on the cow's pelvis and prevent delivery
3. The umbilical cord usually gets pinched off long before the calf's head is delivered. This means that the calf isn't getting any oxygen once that happens.
4. some cows will quit pushing and take a break before they stand up BEFORE the head is delivered. This also happens with forwards facing calves but it isn't a problem because it is the calf's hind legs that are still in the birth canal.
5. Twins.... Twins can come in any set of presentations, both forwards, both backward and one of each.
The first step to successfully deliver a backwards calf is to identify it. To identify it look at the hooves and dewclaws. In a forward presentation the bottom of the hooves and dewclaws face down. In backwards they face upwards. The photos really show the orientation of the hooves and dewclaws well.
When pulling a backwards calf you should make sure to double loop the chains to spread out the pressure as much as possible. Check for the tail and if it isn't down between the buttocks place it there. Keep in mind that there may be twins and double check that the legs you are pulling on belong to the same calf.
When pulling, you pull straight out and not downwards as much. Make sure the legs are even with each other. To begin with, you should pull fairly slowly, working with the cow. The hardest part is getting the hips up through the pelvis and out. Once the tailhead is out is about when the umbilical cord is likely to break or be pinched. At this point it is time to move quickly, and get him out before he suffocates. If the calf is at all large I prefer to use a puller for the simple fact that I can jack the calf out quickly. The front end of the calf is usually delivered fairly easily. In theory, you have about 2 minutes to get him out before he suffocates.... But who wants to put that to the test?
Be prepared to help resuscitate the calf and get him into the recovery position. You may have to stimulate him to breathe for a time.
The backwards presentation can be a problem for a few reasons.
1. The calf is coming bum first. Unlike calves coming forwards who are streamlined to make delivery easier as they begin small and work towards the largest part of the calf, backwards calves get right to the biggest part of the calf first. This may not be a problem with smaller calves, but with big calves assistance is often required.
2. The tail can cause problems if it isn't tucked down between the buttocks. If it isn't it can catch on the cow's pelvis and prevent delivery
3. The umbilical cord usually gets pinched off long before the calf's head is delivered. This means that the calf isn't getting any oxygen once that happens.
4. some cows will quit pushing and take a break before they stand up BEFORE the head is delivered. This also happens with forwards facing calves but it isn't a problem because it is the calf's hind legs that are still in the birth canal.
5. Twins.... Twins can come in any set of presentations, both forwards, both backward and one of each.
The first step to successfully deliver a backwards calf is to identify it. To identify it look at the hooves and dewclaws. In a forward presentation the bottom of the hooves and dewclaws face down. In backwards they face upwards. The photos really show the orientation of the hooves and dewclaws well.
When pulling a backwards calf you should make sure to double loop the chains to spread out the pressure as much as possible. Check for the tail and if it isn't down between the buttocks place it there. Keep in mind that there may be twins and double check that the legs you are pulling on belong to the same calf.
When pulling, you pull straight out and not downwards as much. Make sure the legs are even with each other. To begin with, you should pull fairly slowly, working with the cow. The hardest part is getting the hips up through the pelvis and out. Once the tailhead is out is about when the umbilical cord is likely to break or be pinched. At this point it is time to move quickly, and get him out before he suffocates. If the calf is at all large I prefer to use a puller for the simple fact that I can jack the calf out quickly. The front end of the calf is usually delivered fairly easily. In theory, you have about 2 minutes to get him out before he suffocates.... But who wants to put that to the test?
Be prepared to help resuscitate the calf and get him into the recovery position. You may have to stimulate him to breathe for a time.
