112 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



acting freely should be supplied. Bran and a little flaxseed meal, carrots or roots 

 produce a laxative condition and relieve constipation which must be avoided. 

 About three days before foaling wax will form on the teats. At this time the 

 mare should occupy the box stall prepared for foaling, and be watched until the 

 foal is born. 



Watch the mare from a distance where she will not be disturbed or excited 

 by one's presence when she has gone approximately her full gestation period and 

 there are indications that she is about to foal. Ordinarily no assistance in foaling 

 is necessary and the mare should be left alone. It pays, however, to be where as- 

 sistance can be given if necessary. 



If conditions are normal it is best to leave the mare alone for a time after 

 she has foaled. If the afterbirth does not come away within an hour, or two, it 

 should be removed. One experienced in doing this should perform the work. In 

 all instances the afterbirth should be removed from the stall as soon as it comes 

 away from the mare. The stall should also be cleaned and fresh bedding supplied. 



Delivering Hind Feet of Colt First. To meet this situation first tie a 

 strap tightly around the breast of the mare to stop her straining. Then you 

 can get your arm into the vagina, turn the colt around and save the life of both 

 the mare and the colt. Recommended by Will Perry, De Witt; Iowa, Route 1. 



Labor Pains Coming on Before Mouth of Womb is Relaxed. When this 

 happens pass the hand into the vagina and dilate the opening of the womb. Use 

 the thumb and finger at first but later the hand. Be sure the nails are short and 

 the hand is well oiled with carbolic acid and sweet oil or vaseline (1 part to 10 of 

 oil or vaseline) before the hand is passed. 



When to Assist Most. Assist the mother when she is making an effort 

 herself. Remember a delivery cannot be accomplished unless you are pulling on 

 both forefeet or both hind ones. 



Calf or Colt Dropsical. If the calf or colt is found dropsical push it back, 

 take your knife and tap its belly and then help finish the delivery. 



Water on Head of Foetus. If water is found on the head of the foetus 

 it should be tapped with a small knife or small trocar. 



Feet or Head of Calf or Foal Turned Back. When this occurs push the 

 foetus back into position, arrange the parts as they should be and produce a nat- 

 ural delivery. The back quarters of the mother should be raised almost a foot 

 before this operation is begun. It makes delivery easier many times in such cases 

 if pieces of soft rope are tied around the feet and head of the foetus before it is 

 pushed back. One should remember which ropes are on the feet and which one 

 is on the head. 



Cleanliness. In assisting a cow or mare one should always have his hands 

 perfectly clean and should use disinfectants to kill all germs. 



Care in Assisting at Birth. One should always be careful in helping the 

 mare or cow as the parts are easily injured. Be sure the fingernails are short 

 and smooth. 



Offer the mare a pailful of lukewarm water a half hour after the birth of 

 the foal and again at intervals of two hours, Blanket her if the stable is at all 



