What Are the Signs of a Cow Getting Ready to Calve?

Cows in the early stages of labor usually want solitude. When a pregnant cow soon due to calve separates herself from the herd, that's a good indication the calf is on the way. She might also seem uncomfortable, kicking, switching her tail and appearing restless. Some cows repeatedly lie down and get up again. Many cows lose interest in eating.

As parturtition nears, the cow's hips beginning widening in preparation -- you'll notice the base of her tail sinking. If your cow isn't too fat, you'll notice the the loosening of the pelvic ligaments, but that's not necessarily apparent in very heavy cows. The fetus moves backward, so the cow's belly shape alters. While udder filling can indicate that calving is imminent, the udders of some cows -- especially first-time mothers -- swell up days or even weeks before delivery.

During a cow's pregnancy, a cervical plug keeps the cervix closed, protecting the fetus. About two weeks prior to calving, the cervical plug starts dissolving and the cervix begins dilating. You might see this thick mucous plug falling out of the vulva. Don't confuse the heavy mucus plug's dissolution with the discharge prior to delivery. As birth nears, the cow's vulva become loose and swollen. When a clear, mucousy discharge appears, the calf is soon on the way.

Calving takes place in three stages. The initial stage of calving, when many of these signs first appear, can last between two and six hours. Once the water bag breaks, the second stage -- the actual delivery -- begins. For a heifer, or first-time mother, normal delivery lasts about an hour. Experienced cows might deliver in as little as a half-hour. If a heifer is still in labor after two hours, or a cow after an hour, call the vet. The third stage, expelling the placenta, should occur within 12 hours postpartum. If the complete placenta isn't out in that time, contact your vet.