234 DAIRY CATTLE AND MILK PRODUCTION 



from following her instinct and eating it, which may result in 

 disorders in the alimentary canal. If the afterbirth is not ex- 

 pelled, a serious condition of the cow is brought about by the 

 decomposition of the tissues within the body and the ab- 

 sorption of the poisons. A cow in such condition becomes 

 emaciated and produces but little milk, and that is not in fit 

 condition for food. This condition is easily known by the 

 fetid products that escape, and the offensive odors that may 

 penetrate the entire barn. 



The cow should be so handled that retention of the after- 

 birth will be prevented as far as possible. However, it will 

 occur frequently in all herds. If it does not come away within 

 24 hours, it should be removed by the hand. There is no drug 

 that can be used for the purpose. If taken in time, a weight of 

 one or two pounds tied to the protruding membrane may by its 

 dragging effect pull the membranes and stimulate the uterus 

 to contraction. The only treatment that can be relied upon is 

 to remove it by the hand. For the inexperienced the service 

 of the veterinarian should be secured. Every man having 

 the responsibility of caring for many cows should acquire the 

 experience necessary to do this successfully himself. The 

 following description of the method is given by Dr. Law. 1 



" The operation should be undertaken within twenty-four 

 hours after calving, since later the mouth of the womb may 

 be so closed that it becomes difficult to introduce the hand. 

 The operator should smear his arms with carbolized lard or 

 vaseline to protect them against infection, and particularly 

 in delayed cases with putrid membranes. An assistant 

 holds the tail to one side, while the operator seizes the hanging 

 afterbirth with the left hand, while he introduces the right 



1 Diseases of Cattle, p. 218. Published by U. S. Dept. Agric. 



