Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist — As the calendar turns to a new year, the spring calving season approaches. Many spring calving herds will begin the calving season around the first of February, if not before. An increased understanding of the “calving” or parturition process is helpful. The more we understand about the physiology of the process, the more likely we are to make sound decisions about providing assistance. Parturition or “calving” is generally considered to occur in three stages. Stage 1: The first stage of parturition is dilation of the cervix. The normal cervix is…
You must be logged in to view this content. Click here to subscribe