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 warm 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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