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Agriculture for Secondary Schools

becomes red and swollen with the presence of mucous as well as discharging blood
coloured fluid. Also, the water bag appears at the vulva followed by the calf head
embraced between the fore legs. Figure 10.2 (a) shows starting calving in cattle. In
case of difficult calving, assistance should be sought from an expert to save life of
the cow and calf.

Figure 10.2 (a): Starting calving in cattle

Cows should be closely observed for expulsion of the placenta in time. Cows should
be guarded not to ingest the placenta. Hindquarters should be washed with clean,
warm water or sanitising solution to remove traces of blood.

Management after parturition
After calving, care should be taken to both the cow and the calf. The cow must rise,
lick the calf and nurse it for 24 hours (refer to Figure 10.2 (b)). In case the cow
has failed to lick its calf, it should be cleaned to get rid of all the mucous from the
natural opening and to the general body. Cleaning should be done using dry and
clean non-infectious, non-corrosive or non-irritating materials like grasses. In some
cases, maize bran can be used to clean the young one.

Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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