Birthing Livestock
The arrival of a new life on the farm is always a special moment; however, there can also arise some challenges. Knowing how to prepare and care for your animals during labor and delivery is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and newborns. Every birth is different, but a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all involved.
WHAT TO DO BEFOREHAND
1. Have a Safe Place for the Birth
For cows, this can be a fenced, grassy field. You want a quiet, sheltered, clean space with good ventilation for your sheep, goats, and pigs.
2. Make a Birthing Kit
Chlorhexidine 2% Solution
Can be purchased at most livestock supply stores
There are a few things you will want to have on hand so that if intervention is needed you can be as clean and prepared as possible.
Clean towels (to clean off babies)
Gloves (to keep clean and prevent transmission of potential disease to you)
Sterile lubricant (in case you need to assist with positioning the lamb)
Colostrum (species-specific) and milk replacer powder (just in case the mom does not produce enough milk or colostrum)
A thermometer (to check the baby’s temperature if needed)
Bulb Syringe (for clearing nose and mouth)
2% Chlorhexidine Solution – dilute in a small cup 1 part 2% Chlorhexidine to 4 parts clean water (for dipping umbilicus)
3. Watch Closely for Signs of Labor
Watch for signs of impending labor, such as restlessness, pawing at the ground, isolation from the herd or flock, and a visible, swollen udder.
SIGNS THAT INTERVENTION IS NEEDED
1. Prolonged Labor (more than 2 hours)
Labor should be short (less than 4 hours for a cow – most give birth within an hour, less than 30 minutes between piglets, and less than 2 hours total labor for sheep/goats). If the labor is prolonged (see the animal straining for more than 30 minutes without progression), this may indicate that the baby is positioned incorrectly or there are other complications.
2. Straining Without Progress
Your animal may push or strain without making progress. This could suggest an issue such as the baby being too big for the mom (especially in your first-time, young moms), the baby is positioned incorrectly, too exhausted to push, or low electrolytes.
3. Abnormal Presentation of the Baby
Calves should present two front legs and head first. Piglets, lambs, and kids can normally present both with their two front legs and head first or their two back legs first. Butt/tail first is abnormal in all species and requires intervention.
4. Excessive Discharge
A small amount of clear mucus discharge is normal, but excessive blood, green or brown discharge, or foul-smelling discharge can indicate there is a problem like fetal distress, infection, or the placenta detaching prematurely.
5. Excessive Restlessness or Distress
Active Labor - Visible Calf
Image courtesy of Iowa State University
While animals are generally restless during labor - constantly pacing, sweating, or acting anxious without progress can be a sign something isn’t right. Also, if you see signs of pain such as vocalizing – this can indicate the birth is not going smoothly.
6. Visible Baby Parts with No Progress
If you can see any part of the baby protruding and there’s no further progression despite the animal straining, this could mean the baby is stuck in the birth canal.
7. Failure of the Animal to Begin Labor
If your animal has not given birth past their due date, this could be an indication she has a problem such as a uterine infection, failure of the cervix to dilate, or deceased babies. You should seek veterinary attention.
WHAT TO DO AT BIRTHING TIME
1. Closely Monitor
Closely monitor when the first signs of labor are seen. If trouble arises, early intervention is the biggest indicator of a good outcome. If you are concerned or unsure, it is always best to seek veterinary assistance early.
2. Assist With Birth if Necessary
If you are comfortable, you can attempt to reposition or pull babies that appear to be in distress. Use gloves (to prevent contamination and infection to both the animals and yourself) and lots of sterile lube. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, seek veterinary attention immediately.
3. Assist With Breathing if Necessary
If the babies appear to be having trouble breathing (excessive coughing, not taking breaths, open mouth breathing), place them on their stomach with all four legs pulled forward (the best position for opening up their lungs), and rub vigorously with a dry towel. You can also place a small piece of straw in their nostril to stimulate them to take a deep breath. You can also clear their mouth and nose with a bulb syringe. Never swing or hang babies!!
4. Dip Umbilical Cords if you Desire
There are many umbilical dip strategies out there; however, current evidence-based research has shown that no intervention is better than dipping with iodine or alcohol which can be caustic. If the umbilicus is dirty and you wish to dip the best solution is 2% Chlorhexidine diluted 1 part to 4 parts clean water.
5. Watch for the Passage of the Placenta
Retained placenta can be life-threatening. Please monitor for passage of the placenta (should happen within 3 hours for horses, llamas, and alpacas, and 12 hours for sheep, goats, and cattle. If they do not pass the placenta or the mother is showing signs of illness (off feed, lethargic) please seek veterinary care.
WHAT NOT TO DO
1. Do Not Excessively Pull
If you try to assist in repositioning or pulling a baby that appears in distress do not pull aggressively. This can lead to limb and spinal cord injuries and potentially death to the baby or mom. If you cannot remove the baby without excessive force, or you are not comfortable aiding in the birth, please seek veterinary attention immediately
2. Do Not Swing Babies
It is a long-standing myth that swinging or hanging babies can help “clear their lungs.” What is actually happening is the fluid from their stomach is coming out their mouth and this can lead to a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia and complications. If your baby is having trouble breathing place them on their stomach with legs pulled forward, rub vigorously with a dry towel, and stimulate their nostrils with a piece of straw. You can also clear their mouth and nose with a bulb syringe.
3. Do Not Cut Umbilical Cords
It is best to let the cords pull and break naturally. Cutting them can cause complications, including excessive bleeding and infection. Even the long cords will shrivel up in the next 2-3 days.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The above is meant as a quick reference and is by no means a complete guide to birthing animals. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please consult your veterinarian.
Hope you have a successful, uncomplicated birthing season!
References
D.G. Pugh, P. (2002). Sheep & Goat Medicine. Saunders.
Stuttgen, W. by S. (n.d.). Three stages of bovine parturition. Livestock. https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/articles/three-stages-of-bovine-parturition/
Zimmerman, J. J. (2019). Diseases of swine. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Related Resources
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/VA/VA-30-W.pdf
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/cattle-connection/2023-02-03-stages-parturition
