1. Parturition

2. Parturition • What is Parturition • The act or process of giving birth

3. Signs of Parturition • Distended (swollen) Udder • Mother begins to produce colostrum • Muscles in the rear end begin to shrink and fall away • Mother becomes uneasy and nervous • Muscle contractions are evident

4. Stages of Parturition • First Stage • Restlessness of animal due to minor contractions, several hours before parturition • Second Stage • First water bag will appear until it ruptures from its own weight • Third Stage • Amniotic bladder (second water bag) will follow, The fetus is inside that

5. Common Fetus Presentation • Front feet first, followed by nose which is resting on them • Shoulders • Middle • Hips • Hind legs and feet

6. Abnormal Presentation • Anterior Presentations • Hind feet in Pelvis • Both forelegs bent at the knees • Head upward and backwards • One foreleg bent at the knees • Buttocks presentation • Back presentation

7. Abnormal Presentation • What should be done to assist when abnormalities are present.

8. Immediate action following Parturition • Gently remove all mucus from offspring’s mouth and nasal passages • Position offspring so the mother can begin to dry it off, if the mother doesn’t dry off the offspring, begin to manually dry. • Dip navel cord with iodine to prevent infection.

9. New-born offspring • Vigorous new-born will attempt to stand in about 15 minutes • Human assistance is sometimes necessary • New-born offspring should receive colostrum within one hour • May need to bottle feed if it doesn’t nurse.

10. Afterbirth • Also known as the placenta • Usually expelled within 6 hours of parturition • If not expelled within 24 hours it will lead to problems with uterine infections

11. Things to remember • Check for proper fetal presentation • Assist with delivery only when necessary • Clear nasal passages and check for breathing immediately • Make sure offspring receives colostrum • Move to appropriate facility