The process of bovine birth, known as calving, culminates in the delivery of a calf. A common question is whether the cow lies down to give birth. Cows exhibit both standing and lying postures during labor, with their choice influenced by personal comfort and the intensity of contractions. Understanding these postures and the overall labor progression is important for observing cattle health and welfare.
The Core Question Answered: Standing vs. Lying Down
Cows naturally deliver a calf using either a standing or lying posture, and both are considered normal. Many cows remain standing through the initial stages of labor, transitioning between standing and lying as contractions intensify. The choice of position is often a matter of comfort or a response to powerful abdominal muscle contractions.
When standing, gravity can assist the calf’s downward movement through the birth canal, potentially easing delivery. Conversely, lying down, or becoming recumbent, is a common posture during the active pushing stage. Lying on her side provides a stable base for the cow to exert maximum force during the final expulsion of the calf. Frequent transitions between standing and lying, or prolonged lying during the first stage of labor, can also signal increased restlessness and discomfort preceding birth.
The Calving Process: Stages of Labor
The entire calving event is divided into three stages.
The first stage, preparation or dilation, begins with subtle signs and can last between two and twelve hours, or up to 24 hours in first-time mothers. During this stage, the cervix dilates, pelvic ligaments relax, and the cow may show restlessness, such as isolating herself or frequently standing and lying down. Internal uterine contractions position the calf for birth, often evidenced by a thick, clear mucus discharge from the vulva.
The second stage is the active delivery phase, beginning when the calf enters the birth canal and the amniotic sac (“water bag”) becomes visible. This stage is defined by strong, visible abdominal contractions and ends with the full expulsion of the calf. For a mature cow, active delivery lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, but may extend to four hours for a heifer. A normal presentation involves the calf’s front legs appearing first, with the head positioned between them and the soles of the hooves pointing downward.
The third stage involves the expulsion of the fetal membranes, commonly called the afterbirth or placenta. This process is driven by continued uterine contractions and normally occurs within six to twelve hours of the calf’s birth. If the placenta is not completely passed within 24 hours, the cow has a retained placenta, which increases the risk of uterine infection.
Recognizing Trouble: When Intervention is Needed
A difficult birth, medically termed dystocia, occurs when the cow cannot progress through labor without assistance. Intervention is based on observing a lack of normal progress over time. If a cow remains in the first stage of labor for over six to twelve hours without progressing to active pushing, it signals a potential problem.
During the second stage, intervention is warranted if the cow has been actively pushing for 30 minutes with no visible progress, or if the water bag has been visible for over two hours without the calf appearing. Other indicators of trouble include an abnormal presentation, such as only one leg visible, a tail visible first (breech presentation), or if the hooves are upside down. Timely intervention is important because prolonged labor can lead to oxygen deprivation in the calf, impacting its survival and health.
Post-Partum Behavior and Mothering
Immediately following birth, the cow focuses on establishing a bond and ensuring the calf’s survival. The cow typically begins vigorously licking the newborn, which cleans off amniotic fluid and stimulates the calf’s circulation and breathing. This licking also encourages the calf to stand and stimulates its first bowel movement.
The most important step for the calf is the timely intake of colostrum, the nutrient-dense first milk. Colostrum is packed with immunoglobulins (antibodies), which provide the calf with passive immunity against disease, as these antibodies cannot pass through the placenta before birth. The calf should consume colostrum within the first few hours of life, as the ability of its small intestine to absorb the antibody molecules decreases rapidly afterward.