Response to how to tell when heifer is going into labor

Hi Cindy, I had my first experience with a first calf heifer a year and a half ago. It seems that when she's close, she'll start to "bag" up. I've noticed that the perianal area seems to get somewhat flacid and puffy. Cows may go off their feed while in the early stages of labor. If you are watching her on a daily basis, you should be able to notice some changes. Is this a beef (Angus, Hereford, Charlois?) or dairy? (Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey?) Difficulties are not always predictable, but being bred to bull that usually produces hefty calves can be an indicator. If you're like me, you'll prepare and worry about the worse case scenario and end up finding a perfectly made little fella in the pasture early one morning! (Even though I have 17 years experience as a Veterinary Technician, I've yet to see one actually born!) GOOD LUCK

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