After the Delivery
     Provide adequate aftercare for the calf and its mother. Two emergencies may exist upon completion of the delivery: the calf may fail to breathe, and the cow may attempt to prolapse her uterus. The calf can be stimulated to breathe by inserting a straw 2 or 3 inches into the nostril, by brisk massage, and by slapping the chest. Excess mucus should be cleared from the airway, and the head kept lower than the chest until the calf is breathing. Brisk massage with a rough cloth, such as burlap, will also stimulate circulation. Commercial aspirator-respirators are available and are helpful in aspirating mucus and administering oxygen. Directions provided by the manufacturer should be followed.

     The cow should be encouraged to get up and move around so her uterus will fall into the abdomen and labor will cease. Straining can sometimes be interrupted by vigorously gripping the cow's spine at the middle of her back. Examine the reproductive tract for tears and the presence of another calf.

     After emergencies are averted, saturate the calf's navel with an iodine solution. Within fifteen minutes after birth, the calf should nurse the cow or be given a quart of colostrum by nipple or esophageal feeder. Inject cow and calf with broad spectrum antibiotics. Avoid putting boluses, especially those containing urea, in the uterus. They are irritating to uterine mucosa and may result in delayed conception. If the placenta is retained, continue to administer broad-spectrum antibiotics daily until it is passed. If the cow goes off feed or in any other way appears sick, consult a veterinarian.