Assistance should only be given when the delivery stage is prolonged; never try to assist during the preparation stage.

The first thing is to select a place where the cow will deliver (a makeshift maternity ward); away from other animals.

This place should be well lit and very clean; so that you can easily observe the animal and to reduce microbial contamination.

The area must have somewhere to restrain the animal; the restrain must be done in a gentle way and we recommend use of a halter.

Never assist a walking animal!

Not only will you fail to do any manipulations but it can also be hazardous.

Only restrain the head and leave room for the cow to move freely.

Have at least two buckets full of clean water which you will use to clean the perineal area (around anus and vulva). If you have a mild disinfectant you can mix it in one of the buckets.

Wash the tail switch with the disinfectant and rinse with water; thereafter tie it with a light string onto the cow neck so that it doesn’t keep wagging it and contaminating the perineal area.

Thoroughly wash the perineal area with the disinfectant and water and dry it well using a towel.

Thereafter wash your hands and wear arm length gloves. You will be required to pull the calf out if the presentation is normal and you can see or feel the forelegs and nose of the calf.

Before attempting to pull out the calf it is good to determine if the young one is alive or dead.

You can do this using a number of reflexes: one pinch between the digits of the hoof if alive the calf will try to withdraw the limb.

Two place your hand in calf’s mouth and feel if the mouth or the tongue move.

You can also feel for any heartbeat on the calf.

It is very important that you check if the birth canal is well lubricated with the birth fluids as this will make it possible for delivery.

Never attempt to pull the calf out if the birth canal is dry and without this fluid.

If the presentation is abnormal; do not attempt anything. What you need to do is quickly call your veterinary doctor.

Abnormal presentations require professional intervention and there can be several options for example caesarian section, episiotomy or fetotomy (cutting of the dead fetus and delivering it in parts).

Difficult birth can also be as a result of other complications like inadequate dilation of the cervix (this is common in heifers).

Assisted delivery will be followed by some problems like virginal tears and lacerations, paralysis arising from inquiry to nerves and exhaustion of the cow.

If you observe signs of injury to the nerves seek medical assistance.

Don’t use excess force when pulling the calf.

Do it gently but also fast enough to avoid exhaustion of the calf.