Unit of Competency 3

Perform Breeding of Ruminants

Systems of Breeding

1. Inbreeding. It involves the mating of animals that are more closely

related from the average of the population from which they belong.
This reduces animal’s vigor. It also affects the growth rate, fertility and
viability of the offspring.

2. Line breeding. It is done by cattle raisers who do not wish to

concentrate on the qualities of the superior ancestors as line breeding
involves the mating of cousins or more distantly related cattle.

3. Crossbreeding. It is the mating of purebred animals or crossing two

superior animals of different breeds. The purpose of crossbreeding is
to obtain foundation animals for a new commercial breed. The
crossing of two superior animals usually result in an increased growth
rate, improved body conformation, and increased fertilization and
production.

4. Upgrading. It is the system of breeding bulls with unrelated cows to

upgrade the quality of the offspring. The breed composition of the first
generation is 50% exotic.

5. Out crossing. It is the mating of bulls from distantly related strains with
cows of the same breed. Out-crossing brings together the
characteristics of the two strains that produce high production. The
system may also be used either with grades or purebreds of the same
breed.
Reproductive Data

Stage Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goat

Ave. estrus cycle, d 20-23 18-21 21 21

Ave. estrus duration, h 23 18-36 24-42 24-42

Ave. gestation, d 270 310 145 150

Age of first estrus, yr 0.8-1 1.2 0.3 0.3

Calving interval, yr 1 1.2 8 mos 8 mos

Post partum estrus,d 45 35-60 7-10 7-10

Signs of Heat (Estrus) in Ruminants

Heat or estrus is the period when the female will accept the male and mate.

There are signs which mark estrus in all ruminants. Recognizing when the female is on
heat means you will know when to put her with the male or use artificial insemination.

What is heat?

The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries and a womb. Every
so often the ovaries produce very small eggs (ova). The time when this
happens is called heat or estrus.

Cattle and buffalo regularly come into heat all year round. Most sheep and
goats come into heat at a particular time of the year (breeding season).

Knowing when an animal is in heat

If you know when an animal is in heat you can introduce her to a chosen male
for mating or you can arrange for her to be artificially inseminated if the
service is available. You will also be able to identify animals which do not go
in heat.

The best time to look for signs that the female is in heat is early morning or in
the evening. Take care not to disturb the animals but just watch the animals
for the signs.
Signs of heat

Ruminants can be kept on pasture or they may be stabled or tied up for most
of the time. It is therefore necessary to consider this when looking for signs of
heat:

1. Signs of heat in free animals (at pasture):

 Most females in heat will allow other animals to mount them.

 Cows in heat will mount one another, from the rear or from the front.
However the cow on top may not be on heat. The vulva becomes swollen and
the area around the tail becomes wet and dirty.If cows sniff each others' vulva
and urine they may both come into heat.Cows can be coming into heat if they
stand resting the chin on the back of another or are seen to lick or gently butt
each other.Restlessness and calling loudly can also mean the female is
coming into heat. Goats in particular become very noisy.

Signs of Heat
 1. Signs of heat in the stabled or tied animal:

The animals should be allowed out twice a day when they can be watched for
signs of heat. If the female is not allowed out then the following will show that
she is in heat:

 Swollen vulva.
 The animal is active, there is a loss of appetite and she calls loudly.
 In milking animals the amount of milk produced suddenly drops.
 A jelly-like mucus can be found on the floor with the dung.

You will need to be able to recognize the differences between signs of heat
and signs of ill health in the animal which is tied up.

When do animals come into heat for the first time?

Animals come into heat when they reach puberty. This occurs at different
ages in the different ruminants:

 Well fed cows and buffalo come into first heat at 10 - 20 months of age.
 Sheep and goats come into first heat between 6 - 12 months of age.

How long does heat last?

The duration of heat is very short.

 In cows and buffalo it lasts for less than a day.

 In goats heat lasts for 1 - 3 days.
 In sheep heat lasts for 1 - 2 days.

A healthy animal which was not mounted by a male or given artificial

insemination will come back into heat. Cattle and buffalo cows will come into
heat after 3 weeks (give or take a day or two), and female goats and sheep
will come back into heat after 17 days (give or take a day or two).

Metestrus bleeding

A bloody mucus discharge 1 – 3 days after estrus, Indicative that the cow was
in heat and should be observed for a return heat within 18 – 19 days.

The female which does not come into heat

The female may not show signs of heat because she is too old, or she may
have been mated without the owner knowing. Sometimes animals come into
heat without showing any signs. This is called a "silent heat" and is common
in buffalo cows. If the feed is not sufficient or there is a lack of protein, salts or
water, the animal can fail to come into heat. You will need to improve the
female's feed to bring it into heat.
If young, well fed females do not come into heat or do not become pregnant
you should ask your local veterinarian for advice.

Secondary Signs of Heat

 Mounting of other cows
 Mucus discharge on the vulva
 Swelling and reddening of the vulva
 Sniffing of genitals
 Decrease feed intake
 Head raising and lip curling

The Breeding Parameters in Ruminants

1.The physiological growth of the body should match the sexual maturity of
the animal.
2.Suitability of the breed as to the location and purpose.

Natural Breeding vs. Artificial Insemination

Types of Natural Breeding

1. Hand Mating

This type of breeding involves the complete confinement of the bull in a

separate quarter and not allowed to be mixed with the rest of the herd. As a
rule, only one service of the bull is needed to successfully mate a cow or
heifer with the following bull – cow/heifer ratio:

Yearling bull -10 – 12 cows/heifers

Two-year old bull - 25 – 36 cows/heifers

Three-year old bull - 40 – 50 cows/heifers

Hand mating has the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. Keeping record is easier and more accurate, ensuring better care

for calving cows.

2. Bulls do not waste energy in mounting cows more than once.

3. “Settled cows “are separated from others and are not disturbed
hence, the risk of abortion is lessened if not avoided.
 4. Less management required
5. Little if any estrus synchronization or heat detection

6. Depending on the type and life-span of the bull, it can be less

expensive

7. No need for additional equipment or training

Disadvantages:

1. More time and effort are required in identifying cows that are in heat
so as not to miss breeding with the bull; calf drop is considerably
reduced.

2. A separate shed for the bull is required.

2. Pasture mating

This permits the bull to run with the herd throughout the breeding season or
throughout the year. This type saves labor in the daily inspection of the herd
for in heat cows or heifers and driving them to the breeding corral for mating.
It also precludes the possibility of a cow or heifer “going by” unbred due to the
herdsman’s failure to monitor heat period. A two-year old bull can mate 20
cows or heifer successfully.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

It is a practice of injecting the bull’s semen to the cow’s female genitalia by an

instrument instead of the natural service of the bull. Artificial insemination is
the most valuable tool for genetic improvement. A healthy bull can breed
hundreds of female cattle with only one ejaculation.

Requirements for Artificial Insemination (AI)

1. Only healthy heifers weighing 250 kgs or more which have shown at
least 2 regular heat cycles must be included in the program.

2. Cows must be bred 60 days after calving.

3. Cows should be gaining not losing weight at breeding time.

4. The raiser must be skilled in detecting estrus and in recognizing

breeding observations.
 5. A reliable and quick means of transmitting request for A1 services to
the center is necessary.

6. The herd must be free from reproductive diseases.

7. A breeding chute must be provided during administration of semen and

pregnancy diagnosis.

8. AI must be administered by an expert technician for high conception

rate.

Semen Evaluation

As soon as the semen is collected, it is evaluated for motility and

concentration. Good quality semen can be used immediately as liquid or
fresh undiluted semen or it can be diluted to serve more cows from only one
ejaculation using extenders.

Some of the most important aspects to remember when inseminating a

cow include the following:

 Be gentle (do not use too much force)

 Insemination is basically a two step process: get the gun to the cervix,
then place the cervix over the gun.
 Deposit the semen just through the cervix into the uterine body
 Take your time
 Relax

Correct insemination procedures will result in better breeding efficiencies.

AI GUN

Advantages of Artificial Insemination

1. Better genetic improvement

2. Better breeding records
3. No hidden expenses
4. Spread of disease can be controlled
 5. Crossbreeding is easier
6. More uniform calf crops
7. Calving season can be narrowed

Semen collection

The bull is induced to ejaculate into an artificial vagina. This contains

water at about 45°C held between a stout external rubber casing and an inner
lubricated rubber sleeve. The object is to simulate the feel of a cow's vagina.
The semen is collected in an insulated tube. After collection, the semen is
checked for contaminants such as blood, pus or feces. It is also examined
microscopically for concentration and normality of spermatozoa.

Artificial vagina

Background

Semen is usually collected from a bull as it mounts a suitably restrained live

'teaser' animal. Such as another bull, or a cow. Bulls can also be trained to
mount a mechanical dummy. The teasing process may involve inducing the
bull to participate in one or more false mounts, (allowing him to mount but not
ejaculate) sometimes with different teaser animals, before finally being
allowed to ejaculate. Such procedures enhance both quantity and sperm
count of the ejaculate. The operator holds the artificial vagina close to the
teaser, parallel to the anticipated path of the penis. When mounting occurs,
the operator directs the penis into the artificial vagina then ejaculation will take
place. Semen is usually collected from a bull approximately four times a week.
 Artificial Insemination Technique

Introduction: The recto-vaginal technique is the most commonly used

method of artificially inseminating (AI) cattle. The basic skills required to
perform this technique can be obtained with about 3 days practice under
professional instruction and supervision. Additional proficiency and confidence
come with time and practice. Regardless of whether the inseminator is left or
right handed, it is recommended that the left hand be used in the rectum to
manipulate the reproductive tract and the right hand be used to manipulate
the insemination gun. This is because the rumen or stomach of the cow lays
on the left side of the abdominal cavity, displacing the reproductive tract
slightly to the right. Thus it may be easier to locate and manipulate the tract
with the left hand.
Step #1: Restrain the animal to be inseminated. There are several things that
should be kept in mind when choosing a location for inseminating cattle.
Some of these include safety of both the animal and the inseminator, ease of
use, and shelter from adverse weather. A gentle pat on the animal’s rump or a
soft spoken word as the inseminator approaches will help to avoid startling or
surprising the cow.
Step #2: Raise the tail with the right hand and gently massage the rectum
with the lubricated glove on the left hand. Place the tail on the back side of the
left forearm so it will not interfere with the insemination process. Cup the
fingers together in a pointed fashion and insert the left hand in the rectum, up
to the wrist.
Step #3: Gently wipe the vulva with a paper towel to remove excess manure
and
debris. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure which may smear or push
manure into the vulva and vagina. With the left hand, make a fist and press
down directly on top of the vulva. This will spread the vulva lips allowing clear
access to insert the gun tip several inches into the vagina before contacting
the vaginal walls.
Step #4: Insert the gun at a 30° upward angle to avoid entering the urethral
opening and bladder located on the floor of the vagina. With the gun about 6
to 8 inches inside the vagina, raise the rear of the gun to a somewhat level
position and slide it forward.
To become a successful inseminator, it is very important to always know
where the tip of the insemination gun is located. The walls of the vagina
consist of thin layered muscle and loose connective tissue. The insemination
gun can be easily felt with the left hand in the rectum. As the breeding gun is
inserted into the vagina, keep the gloved hand even with the gun tip (Figure
#1). Manure in the rectum can often interfere with the inseminator’s ability to
palpate the cervix and gun tip. However, it is seldom necessary to remove all
the manure from the bowel. Instead, keep the open hand flat against the floor
of the rectum, allowing the manure to pass over the top of the hand and arm
(Figure #2).

Figure #1: Keeping the gloved hand

even with the tip of the inseminator
gun.

Figure #2: Allowing manure to pass

over the top of the hand and arm.

With the hand in the rectum, the inseminator may notice colon constrictions or
"rings" attempting to force the left arm from the cow. To relax these rings,
place two fingers through the center of a ring and massage back and forth.
The constriction ring will eventually relax, pass over the hand and arm, and
the inseminator can continue the palpation process (Figure #3).

Figure #3: Dealing with colon

constrictions.

Because the reproductive tract is freely movable, cows that have strong rectal
and abdominal contractions in response to being palpated may actually push
their reproductive tract back into the pelvic cavity. This will cause many folds
to form in the vagina. In such cases, the insemination gun can get caught in
these folds and little or no progress will be made until they are removed. If the
cervix can be located, grasp it and gently push it forward. This will straighten
the vagina and the gun should pass freely up to the cervix (Figure #4). The
inseminator will note a distinct gristly sensation on the gun when it contacts
the cervix.
 Figure #4: Grasping the cervix and
gently moving it forward.

The cervix (Figure #5) consists of dense connective tissue and muscle and is
the primary landmark for inseminating cattle. It has often been described as
having the size and consistency of a turkey neck. The size will vary, however,
with post partum interval and age of the animal. The cervix usually has three
or four annular rings or folds. The opening into the cervix protrudes back into
the vagina.

Figure #5: Close-up of the cervix.

In most cows, the cervix will be located on the floor of the pelvic cavity near
the anterior (front) end of the pelvis. In older cows, the cervix may rest slightly
over the pelvic bone and down into the abdominal cavity.

Step #5: Once the gun is in contact with the external surface of the cervix, the
inseminator is ready to begin threading the cervix over the end of the gun.
Place the cervix on or over the insemination gun; the gun is not passed
through the cervix. Excessive movement or probing with the insemination gun
during this step is seldom productive. The key to mastering this step of the
insemination process is knowing how to hold and manipulate the cervix and
concentrating on doing the work with the hand inside the cow, not the one
holding the gun. When the gun first contacts the cervix, the inseminator will
usually find that the tip is in the fornix area directly over the top of the opening
of the cervix. If this happens, grasp the external opening to the cervix with the
thumb on top and forefingers underneath (Figure #6). This closes the fornix at
top and bottom. It is also still important to know the location of the gun tip.
This is accomplished by contacting the gun tip with the palm and 3rd and 4th
fingers of the hand in the rectum. Use the palm and these two fingers to guide
the gun tip to the cervical opening located between the thumb and forefingers.
With gentle probing, the opening of the cervix should be located. The
inseminator will feel the gun slide forward until it contacts the second cervical
ring.

Figure #6: Finding the opening of the

cervix.

Step #6: Maintain gentle but steady forward pressure on the gun and slide the
thumb and forefingers just in front of the gun tip and re-grasp the cervix.
Because the cervix is composed of dense connective tissue and muscle, it is
difficult to clearly distinguish the gun tip when it is located within this structure.
However, the inseminator can determine the approximate location by bending
the cervix. Using the flexibility of the wrist, gently twist and bend the cervix
until the second ring of the cervix slides over the gun tip (Figure #7). Repeat
the process until all the rings have been passed over the gun tip. Remember,
the cervix is being placed over the gun, not the gun through the cervix. For the
most part, gentle forward pressure is all that is necessary and gun movement
should be minimal. When all rings of the cervix have been cleared, the gun
should slide forward freely with little resistance. Since the uterine wall is very
thin, the inseminator will once again be able to feel the tip of the gun.

Figure #7: Moving the cervix over

the tip of the insemination gun.

Step #7: It is now time to check the gun placement and deposit the semen.
Rotate the gloved hand until it lies on top of the cervix. With the index finger of
that hand, locate the far end of the cervix (Figure #8). Pull back on the gun
until the tip of it is directly underneath the index finger near the internal
opening of the cervix. Raise the finger and slowly deposit the semen (Figure
#9). Push the plunger slowly so that drops of semen fall directly into the
uterine body.
 Figure #8: Locating the end of the
insemination gun.

Figure #9: Depositing the semen in

the body of the uterus.

With proper AI technique and gun placement, semen will be deposited in the
uterine body. Uterine contractions will then transport spermatozoa forward to
the horns and oviducts with a good distribution of both sides (Figure #10).
When the insemination gun is more than 1 inch through the cervix, all the
semen will be deposited in only one horn (Figure #11). Be sure to raise the
index finger after checking gun placement. Not doing so may obstruct one
horn, creating a situation of uneven semen distribution. When checking gun
tip placement, be careful not to apply excessive pressure. The delicate uterine
lining is easily damaged, potentially causing infections and reduced fertility.

Figure #10: Good distribution of the

semen to both uterine horns.

Figure #11: Improper distribution of

the semen into one horn because
the insemination gun is pushed too
far forward.

Make sure to push in with the plunger and do not pull back on the gun. Pulling
back may result in much of the semen dose being deposited in the cervix and
vagina instead of the uterine body. Although the recommended site of semen
deposition is in the uterine body, research suggests that when exact gun tip
placement is in doubt, depositing semen slightly into one uterine horn is less
likely to compromise fertility than depositing it in the cervix. However, if the
cervical mucus of a cow that has been previously inseminated feels thick and
sticky on the gun, the cow may be pregnant. In this case, deposit the semen
about halfway through the cervix.
Step #8: After properly depositing semen, slowly pull the gun from the
reproductive tract. Remove the gloved hand from the rectum. Check the gun
tip for signs of blood, infection or semen leakage inside the sheath. Make the
necessary notes for future reference and for the local veterinarian. Remove
the sheath from the gun and hold it in the gloved hand. Check again to see
which bull was used. Remove the glove starting at the top of the arm by
turning it inside out trapping manure, the sheath, and dirt inside. Dispose of
the used glove in a proper receptacle. Wipe the gun clean and dry and return
it to the proper storage location.

Management of Breeding Cow, Caracows, Bulls and Carabulls

Management Tips for Bulls/Carabulls

1. Select and raise carabulls with good pedigree and breeding potentials.
2. Provide nutrition adequate in energy, protein and mineral prior to the
breeding season. Under backyard raising where the carabull is kept
both for breeding and draft, it is recommended that the animal be
allowed to rest sufficiently prior to breeding. Bulls used 2-3 times a
week for breeding should not be used for draft.
3. Use young bulls only to a very receptive female smaller than his size.
Difficulties encountered by the bull in the first mating may cause the
bull to become a shy breeder. Limit the use of these bulls to two times
a week.
4. Use bulls for breeding when they are about 3 ½ to 4 years old. This is
to make sure that their physical and sexual capability are fully
developed. However, younger bulls of about 2 ½ years old maybe used
provided they are physically capable. The number of females to be
sired should not be more than 20 caraheifers or caracows per breeding
season. The number could be increased up to 40 as the bulls get older.
5. After the breeding season, separate bulls from the rest of the herd, give
adequate rest and supplemental feed for replenishment of vigor.
6. Confined bulls should be given regular exercise by taking the animal
out of the pen and allowed to walk around.
 7. Avoid placing carabulls together in a single herd. This may promote
fighting resulting in injuries/death and damage to facilities.
8. Provide cooling facilities for better heat dissipation. Test for fertility
regularly.
Good management and better nutrition can prolong the productive life of
carabulls from 10 to 15 years, or even longer.

Carabull/Caracow Ratio

Bull to cow ratio largely depends on the mating system adopted. Ideally, a
carabull can be assigned to 20 females during the breeding season.

The age and the physical condition of the bull are important factors in
determining its female load. With hand mating, a young bull of about 2.5 to 3.5
years old sires only 20 females per season. This may be increased to 30 to 40
caraheifers or caracows when bulls reach the age from 3 ½ to 4 ½ years and
older, respectively.

Observe the bulls’ preference in mating time. Some bulls would only
mount early in the morning or late in the afternoon and not during any other
time of the day.

BREEDING BULLS

Based on the uses of breeding bulls, here’s how to feed and manage
them:

1. Breeding Bulls for semen collection. In commercial farms, there

must be three bulls which should be used mainly for semen collection.
The processed semen of each of these bulls must be properly
identified and marked to prevent possible in-breeding with the herd
since all these bulls are offsprings of cows raised in the farm. These
bulls should be tethered during the day and housed individually in the
bull pens overnight. Each bull should receive five to seven kilos of daily
concentrates everyday.
 2. Breeding bulls servicing the breeding heifers. There should be nine
to be used in mating the breeding heifers. Two bulls should be
assigned to a group of 45 heifers, alternated weekly to prevent being
overused. The bulls-in service should receive their daily ration of
roughage and concentrates together with the breeding heifers.

3. Yearling bulls. There should be eight yearling bulls reserved for

breeding purposes in the farm, aging 12 to 20 months old. In fact,
some of the selected yearling bulls could be sold at reasonable prices.

Factors Affecting Breeding Efficiency

The factors which influence the breeding efficiency of cattle are as follows:

1. Number of ova. The first limitation on the breeding efficiency of fertility of

an animal is the number of functional ova released during each cycle of
ovulation. Ovulation is the process of shedding of ovum from the Graffian
follicle. In the case of cow, usually a single ovum is capable of undergoing
fertilization only for a period of 5-10 hours. Therefore, the time of mating in
relation to ovulation is important for effective fertilization.

2. Percentage of fertilization. The second limitation is fertilization of ova.

Failure to be fertilized may result from several causes. The spermatozoa may
be few or low in vitality. The service may be either too early or too late so that
the sperms and eggs do not meet at the right moment, to result in fertilization.

3. Embryonic death. From the time of fertilization till birth, embryonic

mortality may occur due to a variety of reasons. Hormone deficiency or
imbalance may cause failure of implantation of fertilized ova which die
subsequently. Death may occur as a result of lethal genes for which the
embryos are homozygous. Other causes may be accidents in development,
over-crowding in the uterus, insufficient nutrition or infections in tile uterus.

4. Age of first pregnancy. Breeding efficiency may be lowered seriously by

increasing the age of first breeding. Females bred at a lower age are likely to
appear stunted during the first lactation, but their mature size is affected little
by their having been bred early.

5. Frequency of pregnancy. The breeding efficiency can be greatly

enhanced by lowering the interval between successive pregnancies. The wise
general policy is to breed for the first time at an early age and to rebreed at
almost the earliest opportunity after each pregnancy. In this way the lifetime
efficiency is increased. Cows can be rebreed in 8-12 weeks after parturition.

6. Longevity. The length of life of the parent is an important part of breeding

efficiency, because the return over feed cost is greater in increased length of
life. Also, it affects the possibility of improving the breed. The longer the life of
the parents, the smaller the percentage of cows needed for replacement
every year.

What is pregnancy?

When the male mates with the female he deposits sperm in the vagina. The
sperm joins with the egg and forms the embryo which becomes attached to
the wall of the womb. The embryo grows within a bag of fluid (water bag) and
is attached to the wall of the womb by a navel cord.

Signs of pregnancy

Heat stops when pregnancy begins. The animal becomes quieter and the
belly grows bigger. In milk animals the production of milk will gradually drop.

Length of pregnancy

If male and female animals have been allowed to run together in a large herd
it will be difficult to determine the expected time for birth (parturition). If
however you do know when a female was mated or given artificial
insemination you can determine when she will give birth.

The length of pregnancy differs in different animals.

Animal Length of pregnancy

Cow 280 days
Buffalo 320 days
Sheep 150 days
Goat 150 days

There can be a few days difference either way depending on the type,
climate, feed and other factors.

Management of the pregnant animal

You must remember that a pregnant animal will need more feed and will
benefit from the addition of some grain to the feed towards the end of
pregnancy. All pregnant animals should be kept close to home towards the
end of the pregnancy and some form of shelter should be provided. They
should be watched twice a day for signs that parturition is close. In particular
cattle and buffalo need a clean, well ventilated place, preferably with a sand
or grit floor on which suitable bedding is placed.

Do not keep a pregnant animal constantly tied up or with little room to

exercise in. Allow her some freedom in a field or yard each day. She should
be observed closely twice a day for signs of parturition.

Calving (parturition)
Calving is a natural process which normally takes place without help. Close
observation is required in case the cow has difficulties. Cows calving for the first time
(heifers) tend to have more problems than older cows and therefore need more
attention when calving.

The signs of calving

You will know that the cow is about to calve or give birth when you see:

· The belly has increased in size, especially on the right flank.

· The udder is filling up and the teats are stiffening.
· The vulva becomes red and swollen with the presence of mucous and blood
colored fluid.
· The animal is restless.
· The water bag appears at the vulva.

Normal calving

The water bag appears through the vulva. The cow will strain more. The head
of the calf will appear and this breaks the bag. You will then be able to see
both of the calf's front feet. It takes 4 - 6 hours for the calving to reach this
stage. In heifers it might take longer. As the chest comes through the vagina
the calf starts to breathe.

Normal calving
It is better to leave the cow alone to give birth naturally. However if you want
to help with the calving you can gently pull the calf by its feet. If the navel cord
is still attached to the cow you can cut it with a clean sharp knife or a pair of
scissors, then put tincture of iodine or alcohol on the end of the navel cord.

Sometimes the back feet of the calf appear first. You can tell the back feet
from the front by looking carefully. You will see that the back feet come out
from the vulva with the soles of the feet showing uppermost. You should then
look (or feel with your hands) for the tail and the hock joints.

Difficulties in calving

Leave the animal to give birth naturally. If difficulties occur you may find:

(1) Only the head of the calf has appeared.

(2) The head and one foot has come out.
(3) Two front feet showing but no head.

If this happens you should either ask the veterinarian to help or help the cow
yourself.

Difficulties in calving

You will need a bar of soap, hot water, a clean rope and clean vegetable oil
such as olive or sunflower oil.
Wash the area around the vulva and wash your hands well. Make sure that
your fingernails are cut short and are thoroughly clean. Long nails can injure
the animal. If you have oil put some over your hand and arm, if not, soap your
hand and insert it into the vagina to discover what is wrong.

You will need to recognize the difference between the front and back legs of
the calf in the womb. Touch the fetlock joint and then run your hand up the leg
to the next joint. There will be a knee joint on the front leg and a hock on the
back leg. Push the calf either to one side or back into the uterus so that you
can correct the situation and move the head and legs into the right place for
birth.

Difficulties in calving

When the calf's head and legs are in the correct position tie a clean rope
around both feet. Pull gently on the rope. You may need someone to help you
pull.

Sometimes the water bag will burst but neither the feet nor the head will have
appeared. This is a very difficult position to sort out and if you can you should
immediately ask your veterinarian for help.

Caring for the cow after calving

Give the cow clean water to drink immediately after she has calved as she will
be thirsty.

The water bag (afterbirth) will come out naturally but you can help to remove it
by gently pulling it. The afterbirth should have come away by 24 hours after
the birth. If the afterbirth remains in the uterus it will cause an infection and
you will need to get your veterinarian to help.

Caring for the newborn calf

 Always handle the calf carefully. Clean the mucous (sticky fluid) from the nose
and mouth and check that the calf is breathing normally. If it is not breathing
you must act immediately by:

· Pump the chest with the palm of your hand.

· Keep the calf's head lower than its back.
· Insert a straw into its nose in an attempt to make it sneeze and start
breathing.

Allow the calf to suckle from its mother as soon as possible so that it takes in
the colostrum, the yellowish milk which is produced immediately after birth.
The colostrum is rich in protein and protects the calf against disease.

Some people use the colostrum for their food but it is essential to make the
calf strong and healthy and should be left for the calf.

You must allow the calf to take colostrum for at least four days after its birth.

Lambing and kidding (parturition)

Lambing and kidding, like calving, are natural processes which normally take place
without help. Observation is required in case there are any difficulties. Sheep and goats,
unlike cattle and buffalo, may frequently have twins (2 young) or triplets (3 young).

Signs of parturition

You will know when the goat or sheep is about to give birth as:

· The animal keeps away from others.

· The vulva is swollen and the skin is loose.
· The animal becomes restless and does not eat well.
· A discharge from the vulva will start a few days before parturition.
· The sheep will lie down and stretch the neck back to look at the sky (star
gazing) and lick its lips.
· The sheep will strain to push out the lamb.
 Star gazing

Normal parturition

Animals may give birth while standing or lying down. The head and both front
legs appear while sometimes both the hind legs will appear. The young
mother may have some problems in giving birth.

When and how to help in parturition

As with calving the young may be in an abnormal position and the birth is
difficult. If you want to help you will need a bar of soap and clean water. Scrub
your hands and fingernails then wash the area around the vagina. Soap your
hands well and insert one hand into the vagina. When you have found what
the problem is, correct the position of the young so it can be born. Carefully
feeling for the leg joints will tell you which way round the young is.

You can hold the head but do not pull the young by the jawbone as the bone
will break. You can use a clean rope tied around a leg above the fetlock joint
to pull. Pull in a downwards direction as the mother strains.

If there are twins or triplets in the uterus you will have difficulty sorting out
which legs belong to which one. Try to pull out the one nearest the vagina
first. A newborn animal should try to breathe immediately after it is born, if it
does not breathe you can put a straw into a nostril (nose) to stimulate
breathing. If you hold it by the back legs and swing it gently back and forth,
any mucous blocking the mouth and lungs will be forced out.
 When and how to help in parturition

Care of the mother and newborn

Immediately after giving birth the mother should be given fresh clean water.
Check that she is producing milk from both teat and allow the newborn to
suckle colostrum.

If the teats of a goat are fat with milk the young may have difficulty in suckling.
Squeeze a little milk out so the kids can suckle easily. If she has produced
triplets try to foster one on another mother.

If the mother had difficulty giving birth check that there are no dead young still
in the uterus. If there are, remove them as they will cause an infection which
will kill her. The afterbirth should come out within 3 hours. If it has not
appeared after 14 hours you will need to get veterinary help. There will be an
after birth for each of the young the mother gave birth to.