michael N123
Member
Should no if it’s going out the side before you start pulling.
Calving jack v Pulley blocks .
- Thread starter Treecreeper
- Start date
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
The fluid is stomach contents.
Ah well I stand corrected!
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
It’s a common misconception. Like someone said above the recovery position on the chest with from legs forwards helps takes the pressure of the lungs.
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/tips-to-improve-the-health-and-vigor-of-newborn-calves/. This demonstrates the recovery position.
Ok rub it in!
if anyone has anything that’s not a calf that they need to hang up the calving jack is handy for that!
- Location
- sw scotland
I would agree with the hanging up ideas. You can clear mucus from mouth and nose as the calf comes out with the help of gravity. The lungs will not be inflated inside the cow, only when the calf tries to breathe air. Until then most blood is bypassing the lungs as it is getting oxygen from the cord. Lungs then inflate and blood starts going through the lungs. I would just lie it on its side and slowly pull the legs back and forward to help inflate the lungs.
Try hanging over a gate by your waist and see how easy it is to breathe with your arms hanging down. I think the Romans worked that one out except other way up.
Try hanging over a gate by your waist and see how easy it is to breathe with your arms hanging down. I think the Romans worked that one out except other way up.
Stop feeding your calving cows first thing in the morning....about a week before calving, start giving them their largest bulkiest feed as late as possible at night....when you have your last look around.....9...10pm.
Shifts the cows day around....night time becomes their busy time....eating and chewing the resulting cud.
important that they do not have ad Lib access to whatever the feed is.
95% of calvings will then occur between 7.30am and 2pm.
Best thing about it?
It’s free!
Another vote for Vink......make sure it is the version with the longer shaft!
ollie989898
Member
Was just going to say this, I was told very sternly years ago that under no circumstances should the ratchet be used to actually pull...If my wife ever heard me or saw me advocating anything but the pulling down lever method I would be shot.
pat kcotnit
Member
- Location
- Oot and aboot
Do the exact same thing here.
A long deceased vet that used to come here always used a block and tackle. Wouldn't have a calving jack. That was fine for him but he didn't actually do the work with it, he just 'supervised'. He didn't believe in ceaserians either (can't ever remember him doing one even when he should have). Glad when he retired.
wellingtonfarmer
Member
- Location
- Herefordshire
its only cause the amount of weight you could apply to the end of jack the vet gets nervous about you using one.
Scholsey
Member
- Location
- Herefordshire
I don’t know who you are but such a spiteful thing to say
If the calf is coming backwards, do you still refuse to use the ratchet to exert a pull?
If the calf is almost out, but it's stuck at the hips, and trying to twist it doesn't work, do you still refuse to use the ratchet to exert a pull?
M-J-G
Member
I'd say the intelligence is key, someone with brains whos equipped with a tractor and a rope will be more use than an idiot with a jack.
I helped a neighbour once to calve a cow with a tractor, out on a hillside and he let the handbrake off just enough to tighten the rope, then I'd pull the ropes upwards and then let him take the slack up with the tractor again.
I once calved a cow using a gate as a lever.
A mate of mine calves around 200 cows outside on hill ground and most of his cows that need help calving he'll assist by pulling with the front bar of the bike.
He is a very fussy stockman and he gets good results, and carrying a jack around the farm on a bike isn't really very handy.
M-J-G
Member
I only ever push the bar down enough to give slack when its lifted back up.
You shouldn't really lever a jack downwards much until the calf's front legs are well out otherwise you're just trying to bend and pull the legs against the bottom of the cow's pelvis and vagina and that's not the natural position for a calf to be born in.
I generally keep the bar almost horizontal until the head is about out.
I usually only really use the bar for leverage when it's a very tight one, otherwise I don't find the need for so much pressure.
M-J-G
Member
I think you've picked him up wrong there.
Scholsey
Member
- Location
- Herefordshire
It’s ok, unfortunately I do know him....... just wish I didnt.
- Location
- Huntingdon, UK
The ratchet only has a small handle, so you get less pulling power than using the jack as the handle, it's about a 6 times longer lever.
There is a world of difference between a quick pull (Oor er Mrs!) to plop the calf out before you bugger off and do something else, and pulling out a monster.
There is also nothing wrong with a little intervention to assist the cow which reduces stress on the calf if it's not being born for as long. IYSWIM.
Yes, there are times when you put your hand in you know instantly it is a side door job, but there are many, many more times when a little help is better all round.
The skill of a stockman is knowing which is which.
(And being able to anticipate the size of the back half of the calf, as that's where the problem lies.)