DIAGNOSIS OF PREGNANCY 37 



one stands on the right side of the cow, turning the 

 face in that direction. Now the closed fist is placed upon 

 the belly in front of the stifle, and executes short inward 

 movements. While thus pushing cautiously at intervals one 

 feels plainly the resistance of a hard body (provided a foetus 

 is within), and how it returns to its original position after 

 having been displaced by the pushing movements of the fist. 

 In the beginning of gestation palpation of the abdomen yields 

 no results, but in the second half, especially at the fifth or 

 sixth month, when the fcetal movements are weak, it is a pretty 

 good means of diagnosis. This manipulation, also known 

 as the palpation of the calf, is employed by many breeders. 



The perception of foetal movements is the best diagnostic 

 proof, but they are only palpable in the second half of preg- 

 nancy. Of course muscular movements of the foetus occur 

 already at the third month, but are too weak to be felt 

 through the abdominal wall. About the fifth, or more plainly 

 at the sixth month and later, can we perceive these foetal 

 movements in the cow. 



For this purpose one occupies the right side of the cow, 

 turning the face towards the hindquarters, places the right 

 hand upon the back of the animal, the palm and surface of the 

 left hand being placed against the abdomen in front of the 

 stiflp. For this examination much patience is required, as 

 quite some time may pass before foetal movements are appre- 

 ciated. In the sixth and seventh month the movements are- 

 more wave-like and weaker than later, when they are shorter 

 but stronger and of a kicking nature. Mistaking it for 

 peristalsis is hardly possible after some practice. Toward the 

 end of gestation, palpation in lean cows often reveals which 

 part of the calf is presented. 



According to some investigators, movements cannot be 

 produced by pushing against the abdominal wall. Experience 

 at the same time teaches that slight shocks and displacement 

 of the foetus encourages foetal movements. It may be said 

 that the displacement of the foetus permits of a temporary 

 torsion of the umbilical cord on its long axis ; as a conse- 



