72 GUIDE TO DAIRYING IN SOUTH AFRICA 



other way. This condition may be recognised by 

 the fact that when you pass your hand up the vagina 

 you cannot find the os, and the vagina appears to 

 be twisted on itself. In all cases of difficult par- 

 turition where it is necessary to help the cow, 

 before starting work be sure and have all the neces- 

 sary assistance, such as plenty of light, oil for the 

 hands, disinfectants, proper ropes, and to be properly 

 clothed, and have, say, two boys in attendance. 



First find out, by introducing your hand and 

 arm very carefully, what part of the foetus is being 

 delivered, and then take time to consider which is 

 the most common-sense way of removing it. Above 

 all things, DO NOT HURRY ! 



Make sure that twins are not in the womb, 

 especially after delivering one. Decide whether 

 it is necessary to alter the position of the fcetus or 

 to alter the position of the mother, such as raising 

 the hind quarters. 



Instruments which are necessary are a few ropes 

 three or four yards long, smooth, fairly thin, and 

 strong, about f inch thick ; a couple of hooks called 

 calving-hooks, one blunt and the other sharp. These 

 hooks must be fastened to rope similar to the fore- 

 going. No other instruments are necessary. 



There are many ways in which the foetus has 

 to be moved when it is coming the wrong way. 

 It may have to be pushed back in order, maybe, to 

 get a leg or the head up. Always use the hand 



