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 Second Stage Third 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