Beef Cattle Post Calving

   Uterine prolapse
     This is an inversion of the uterus that can occur when a partial vacuum is formed in the uterus. It is sometimes caused by pulling the calf too rapidly and may result in death of the cow if not treated promptly and correctly. Encouraging the cow to stand soon after delivery will reduce the chances of a prolapse.

     Always contact a veterinarian for treatment and necessary drugs. Cull heifers or cows that prolapse because of the probability of it happening again.

Retained placenta
     The placental membranes are normally expelled within 2 to 8 hours after birth. Occasionally, however, they fail to separate from the uterine attachment. This condition may pose a health threat to the cow and cause problems in rebreeding. Not all reasons for retained placentas are known, but high incidence may indicate a disease problem. They commonly accompany difficult births, multiple births and short gestations.

     There are differing opinions as to the best treatment for retained placentas. Research has shown that manual removal can cause complications that would not have happened otherwise. For cows with no signs of abnormal vaginal discharges, good appetite and good milk production, no treatment may be best of all. If antibiotics are to be placed in the uterus, care must be taken to prevent introduction of bacteria through contaminated instruments or equipment. Boluses may reduce fertility of the cow. Antibiotics by injection or intrauterine application requires attention to residue avoidance in the sale of the milk or animal for food.