Calving question

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SKF

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Apr 24, 2007
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I have a heifer due to calve tomorrow. My question is if she does not calve tomorrow on her due date how many days late is okay before I need to worry? I just don't think she looks ready to calve tomorrow. She has plenty of milk and if you just touch her udder lightly milk comes out but she has not had any discharge and she just does not look big enough in the back.  I am getting nervous because she is such a small heifer and I am kinda of regretting breeding her but can't change it now. Thanks!!!
 

simtal

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Feb 3, 2008
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sounds like you might be getting a bull calf (they run later) give her a week, and maybe mother nature will take its course.  IMO I would strongly advise against inducing her.
 

Cattledog

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simtal said:
sounds like you might be getting a bull calf (they run later) give her a week, and maybe mother nature will take its course.  IMO I would strongly advise against inducing her.

I am in complete agreement of not inducing.  My vet told me that if you induce you are speeding things up past how they normally procede.  When things procede to fast you can have some problems.  Now with that said.....if the cow has a huge calf there can be problems as well.  Is your heifer bred to a calving ease bull? 
 

OH Breeder

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Feb 14, 2007
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Ada, Ohio
I will tell you what. We had an average BW of 96lbs this year. I had them all vet checked. I missed one. I thought she would be fine and let her go. I wish I would never had. As a first time heifer she tried to have a 100#r. We pulled for two hours. Lost calf. Prolapsed and tore. I have a small herd so I can be little more cautious and have a vet come and check her. Some folks NEVER have one checked. But, if you are sure of AI date I would not hestiate to call your vet and ask for an induction. Sometimes it just aint their time. If she was cleaned up by a bull then you are takin' a chance. When you lose three out of 11 cows, then it really takes your loss ratio up. I say don't hesitate to call vet. I would induce if you are not comfortable. Some may disagree but it is peace of mind.
 

SKF

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We bred her with our herd bull who is an Ali son. He is suppose to be calving ease. This will be his first calf that we get from him but the guy we bought him from told us all of his calves have been in the 60-70lb range. I know when she got bred it was the day we bought the bull she was in heat and he bred he as soon as we unloaded him off the trailer. I think if she does not calve in the next few days I will have a vet come check her. Thanks!
 

inthebarnagain

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Remember also, the gestation is longer in some breeds.  Angus are 283 days but simmentals, maines, etc the average gestation can be up to 294 days.  That throws me off watching my cows too.  It would be helpful if the person you got him from could tell you if his calves come early or not.  Good Luck!
 

Malinda

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Feb 16, 2007
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Hey SKF,

Well, it is that time of year. I have a cow due Wed and another due Sat. and I am already sleep deprived!

The first thing I always question and the first thing my vet questions is the breeding date. You saw the bull breed her, but since you just turned him out with the cows I would wonder how long it had been since he bred cows. If he had a long 'down time' he might just be getting 'flushed out' on his first attempts.

However, you said she has milk, so one would think she IS close to calving. Of course it is common to look for swelling of the vulva, discharge, change in behavior such as staying off by themselves, change in eating habits, udder changes, etc. But, my Dad always taught me to look for a dip on the sides of the tailhead. When you can put your fist in that dip things are about to happen! Not smart enough to know the anatomy and physiology involved (a tendon relaxing?) but it sure has been reliable for me. Maybe DL can help me out here on the anatomy and physiology.

I have induced cows but there are too many train wrecks for me to use induction very often. Before you induce be sure to have her palpated to see if the calf is in position.

As has been mentioned, when in doubt, talk with your vet. That is always your best bet.

Good luck and I hope all turns out well for you and your heifer.

Malinda

 

justintime

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May 26, 2007
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Saskatchewan Canada
I agree with Malinda in that inducing can bring it's own set of train wrecks. I have only done it in extreme situations and most have resulted in problems as well. I would suggest that if you are really concerned about this heifer have your vet check her out. You will need to have her checked prior to inducing her anyways. I always feel that Mother  Nature knows best in most cases. Of course there are exceptions, but as a general rule, be patient , watch closely for any signs of calving and when in doubt, contact your vet. Good luck!
 

Alexjung13

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Sep 24, 2008
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SD
Don't worry she will calve you just have to let mother nature take its couse i calve out 200 heifers and only three died on me. so she will calve when she is ready you may need to pull it but when it is time you will know. she will start to dilelate and then you know she is getting close.
 

SKF

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Apr 24, 2007
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Thanks to everyone who replied!! Talked to the vet and he said to wait a week and if she has not had the calf by then he will come check her. I will be so glad when all the cows are done calving, then I can relax!!!
 
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