Hey all, I have a friend with a pregnant cow, and he's wondering if there are any signs to look for that will help him know just when she's about to drop. She should be ready now. She's dilated, bag is full, and she's got mucus showing/dripping. Any ideas? Thanks to all in advance.

-- Kristin, in La. (positivekharma@aol.com), April 21, 2001

Answers

Kristin, if she is big under the tail and with what you you are saying about her, not long at all maybe a day or two. if this is her first calf need to put her up some where so you can keep a close eye on her , good luck and GOD BLESS DAVE

-- david jackson (kjacks53@bellsouth.net), April 21, 2001.

When she goes in labor look for her to be uneasy .She will also hold her tail up kinda funny.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), April 22, 2001.

Get ready..it is on it's way..the mucous and the backend swelling is a sure sign. Good luck.

-- Lynn(MO) (mscratch1@semo.net), April 23, 2001.

There are two tendond running on either side of the tailhead stretching from the tail to the pelvic bones. When these tendons relax so that you cannot feel them when you press on the area you are likely within 24 hours of delivery. The large bag and the stringing of mucus can last from a few days up to a couple weeks especially with heifers. My husband and I ran a dairy farm for 23 years before we got out of it due to poor prices and we found palpating the tendons by the tailhead to be the most reliable method.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), April 27, 2001.

What about for a donkey??? I guess she would have the same signs --- the only thing is that her udder is still small.

-- kelly (kellytree@hotmail.com), April 28, 2001.