CHAPTER IV. 



CALVING, DIFFICULTIES AND DISEASES ATTEND- 

 ING IT. 



I. — INDICATIONS OF PREGNANCY AND HOW TO TELL WHEN A COW 

 IS IN CALF. 



DURING the hot months of the spring and summer a 

 cow comes bulling every third week, and occasionally 

 a well-fed cow kept in a wlirm stable comes bulling 

 during the winter. 



The first indication of being with calf is the failure to 

 come bulling in the usual manner after being served by the 

 bull. Her appetite is better; she thrives better and is of a 

 much quieter disposition. 



In a few weeks a fullness may be noticed, about the 

 flanks, especially on the right side as the foetus lies more to 

 this side. In a few months the calf can be felt in the form 

 of a hard lump by pressing the hand quickly against the 

 right flank. 



About the fifth or sixth month the quickening period is 

 reached and the calf may be noticed moving. This is more 

 likely to be the case after the cow has taken a drink of cold 

 water. 



Springing commences in young cows about four months 

 previous to calving, and the bag gradually keeps getting 

 larger until calving time, while older cows generally com- 

 mence to make a bag from four to six weeks before calving. 



The vulva gradually increases in size during the period 

 of making bag. 



About the end of the ninth month, when calving time 

 approaches, the ligaments at the sides of the tail and hips 

 relax and leave a hollow at each side of the tail. This hollow 

 is well marked a day or so before calving. These symptoms 

 are accompanied by a wild expression of the eyes and a 

 desire to be away from other cattle to which she acts crossly. 



Signs of immediate calving are the indications of labor 

 pains as shown by straining. Shortly after these symptoms 

 the neck of the womb opens, the water bag appears, breaks, 

 and if delivery is natural the head and legs soon appear. 



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