fluffer
Well-known member
First let me explain..
We have a 2yo clean up bull that we are getting the first set of calves out of now. He is an Angus bull out of Stevenson Benchmark. His data doesn't suggest we should have had any concerns with calving difficulties. However, his calves are averaging 95 lbs on the bulls and 90 on the heifers. Way too big! For the most part the cows have had the calves on their own, 2 calves have had some swollen heads and tongues. Needless to say he is going bye bye soon!
Last night I got home from work at about 5pm and saw a cow calving. She didn't have the bag or feet out yet, but I could tell from here behavior she was in active labor. By 7:30pm she still had not made any progress. I was watching her through the window of our house as to not disturb her. It was going to get dark about 8 pm so hubby and I decided with the history of big calves out of the bull we should run her up and pull it. We did, and the calf was big but not too big for her to have- I don't think. Defiantly a 95 to 100 lbs though.
This event got hubby and I discussing how long a cow can attempt to calve before the calf will die. So that is my question. I know if a calf is hip locked or half out it doesn't take very long. But say the calf is too big to come through the birth canal or it is in the improper position, how long will it stay alive inside the cow?
Thanks
Fluffer
We have a 2yo clean up bull that we are getting the first set of calves out of now. He is an Angus bull out of Stevenson Benchmark. His data doesn't suggest we should have had any concerns with calving difficulties. However, his calves are averaging 95 lbs on the bulls and 90 on the heifers. Way too big! For the most part the cows have had the calves on their own, 2 calves have had some swollen heads and tongues. Needless to say he is going bye bye soon!
Last night I got home from work at about 5pm and saw a cow calving. She didn't have the bag or feet out yet, but I could tell from here behavior she was in active labor. By 7:30pm she still had not made any progress. I was watching her through the window of our house as to not disturb her. It was going to get dark about 8 pm so hubby and I decided with the history of big calves out of the bull we should run her up and pull it. We did, and the calf was big but not too big for her to have- I don't think. Defiantly a 95 to 100 lbs though.
This event got hubby and I discussing how long a cow can attempt to calve before the calf will die. So that is my question. I know if a calf is hip locked or half out it doesn't take very long. But say the calf is too big to come through the birth canal or it is in the improper position, how long will it stay alive inside the cow?
Thanks
Fluffer