Assisted Delivery Techniques: Safe Calf Extraction

When Natural Calving Stalls, Proper Technique Can Save Both Lives

When natural calving stalls, proper assisted delivery techniques can save both calf and cow. But improper technique causes as much damage as no assistance at all. This guide covers the equipment, techniques, and safety considerations for successfully assisting difficult calvings while minimizing risk to the animals and handler.

Pre-Assistance Assessment

Confirm Assistance Is Needed

Before intervening, verify that the water bag has been broken for an appropriate time (see When to Intervene), the cow has made no progress despite active straining, you have assessed the presentation, your equipment is ready and clean, help is available if needed, and you know how to reach your veterinarian if problems arise.

Determine the Problem

Common reasons for stalled delivery:

Safety Preparation

Position the cow for access (standing or lying), then clean the vulva and surrounding area. Have anti-kick restraint ready if needed, use long OB sleeves, keep help available, and know your escape route in case the cow becomes aggressive.

Essential Equipment

OB Chains and Handles

Use 60-inch (152 cm) stainless steel chains with welded links and smooth edges for reaching inside the cow. Attach handles to the chain for a solid grip and controlled traction.

Proper chain placement follows four steps:

• Place a loop above the fetlock (ankle joint)
• Add a half-hitch below the fetlock
• This double-loop distributes pressure evenly
• It prevents the chain from sliding down and cutting into tissue

Leg | [===] <- First loop above fetlock | [==] <- Half-hitch below fetlock | Hoof ```

OB Lubricant

Use obstetrical gel rather than soap, which is too slippery and can cause aspiration. Apply lubricant inside the birth canal, on the calf's body, and reapply as needed during extraction.

Calf Puller (Mechanical Jack)

A calf puller provides mechanical advantage when manual traction is not enough. Both lever-style and ratchet-style models are available. Only experienced operators should use a calf puller.

Additional Equipment

• Bucket for warm water
• Antiseptic (chlorhexidine or iodine scrub)
• Navel dip (7% iodine)
• Colostrum/tube feeder
• Resuscitation equipment
• Calcium gluconate (if cow shows milk fever signs)
• Phone to call veterinarian

Manual Assisted Delivery

Technique for Normal Presentation

When the calf is positioned correctly but delivery has stalled, start by cleaning the vulva area with antiseptic, then put on an OB sleeve and lubricate. Reach in and confirm normal position (two front feet and head), assess space and any obvious obstruction, and determine if the cervix is fully dilated. Attach chains with the double-loop placement above and below the fetlock, then attach handles for grip.

Apply traction during contractions. If two-person effort is not working, reassess. Alternate pulling each leg slightly to "walk" the shoulders through: pull one leg forward 2-3 inches, then the other. This alternating motion rotates the shoulders to their smallest diameter. Apply steady pressure rather than jerking.

As the head clears the vulva, curve your pull downward toward the cow's hocks, following the natural arc of the birth canal. The hips usually follow without resistance. Support the calf's weight as it delivers and allow the cow to rest between pushes.

After delivery, check the cow for tears or bleeding, allow her to bond with the calf, and monitor for retained placenta.

Correcting Malpresentations

Leg Back (Carpal Flexion)

Locate the bent leg, cup your hand around the hoof to protect the uterine wall, flex the joints and bring the leg forward, then confirm both feet are even before applying traction.

Head Back (Deviated Head)

Follow the neck to find the head, hook your fingers in the eye socket or behind the jaw, and guide the head into the birth canal alongside the legs. You may need a head snare for severe deviation.

Both Legs Back (Shoulder Presentation)

Find the first leg and bring it forward with the hoof protected. Find the second leg and bring it forward as well. Reposition the head between the legs, then proceed with delivery.

Breech (Tailfirst, Legs Under)

Flex the hock and cup the hoof, then pull the hoof up and back toward the vulva. Repeat with the second leg. Once both hind feet are in position, deliver rapidly.

Posterior (Backward with Hind Feet First)

Pull firmly and quickly. Once the hips clear, extraction must be rapid because the umbilical cord is compressed and the calf cannot breathe. Have resuscitation equipment ready, as many posterior calves need help breathing.

Hiplock

Rotate the calf 45-90 degrees, which presents the hips at a diagonal (narrower diameter). Apply traction while the calf is rotated, and once the hips clear, continue normal delivery.

Using a Calf Puller (Mechanical Jack)

When a Calf Puller Is Appropriate

Use a calf puller when manual traction is insufficient, there is no malpresentation, and an experienced operator is available. Do not use one if the cervix is not fully dilated, the calf is extremely large (a C-section may be needed), or you have not been trained on proper use.

Proper Calf Puller Technique

Position the breech plate against the buttocks, not on the vulva, to provide a fulcrum for leverage. Attach chains to the puller's cable or strap. Apply force only during contractions and use the ratchet mechanism in short increments. Observe tissue stretch, allow rest between pulls, and never force through an obvious obstruction. As the shoulders clear, angle downward and adjust the breech plate position as needed. Support the calf's body and release the chains promptly.

Calf Puller Dangers

Improper calf puller use can cause calf vertebral damage, cow uterine prolapse, vaginal or cervical tears, nerve damage to the cow, and death of the calf or cow.

Emergency Situations

Calf Dead Before Delivery

A dead calf still must be delivered. The emphasis shifts entirely to the cow's safety, and decomposition creates extraction challenges. If the calf has recently died, extract normally. If emphysema is present (gas and bloating), call the veterinarian. Fetotomy (cutting the calf for removal) requires special training and equipment.

Uterine Prolapse

This is a veterinary emergency. Keep the cow calm and quiet, cover the exposed uterus with a clean wet towel, prevent the cow from lying on it, and do not try to push it back without training. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Vaginal Tear

Note the location and severity of the tear. Call your veterinarian for suturing, administer antibiotics if prescribed, and monitor for infection.

Post-Delivery Care

Immediate Calf Care

• Clear airway: Remove mucus from nose and mouth
• Stimulate breathing: Rub vigorously with a towel, tickle the nostril with straw
• Check pulse: Behind the elbow or at the umbilical cord
• Dry the calf: Especially in cold weather
• Dip navel: 7% iodine solution
• Ensure colostrum: Within 2-4 hours

Immediate Cow Care

• Allow rest: Delivery is exhausting
• Offer water: Fresh, clean water
• Monitor bleeding: Some is normal, excessive is not
• Watch for prolapse: Can occur up to several hours post-calving
• Check placenta passage: Should pass within 8-12 hours
• Assess injury: Note any tears for veterinary attention

When to Stop and Call the Veterinarian

Recognize Your Limits

Call the veterinarian when you have made no progress despite proper technique, the calf seems impossibly large, there is evidence of a uterine tear, the cow is in shock (rapid breathing, cold extremities), you have been working for more than 30 minutes without progress, or you feel uncertain about what you are doing.

What to Tell the Veterinarian

Be ready to report when the cow started labor, what presentation you found, what you have attempted, whether the calf is alive, the cow's current condition, and whether you have working facilities. Have hot water ready, lighting available, and keep the area clean with your equipment on hand.

Technique Summary Tables

Normal Presentation Delivery

Malpresentation Corrections

Skills Development

Building Competence

At the beginner level, assist with chain placement, learn to recognize normal versus abnormal presentations, and know when to call for help. Intermediate skills include correcting simple malpresentations (one leg back), using a calf puller appropriately, and making timely decisions on veterinary intervention. Advanced practitioners can handle emergency situations, teach others, and make confident intervention decisions.

Learning Resources

• Local veterinarian hands-on training
• Extension service workshops
• Beef Quality Assurance training
• Veterinary college short courses
• Experienced mentor observation

Documentation

Record every assisted delivery:

The Bottom Line on Assisted Delivery

Assisted delivery is a skill that can save lives when applied correctly and cause tragedy when applied poorly. The keys to success are thorough assessment before acting, proper technique during intervention, knowing your limitations, and willingness to call for professional help when needed.

Develop these skills incrementally, always prioritizing the safety of the animal and handler. Every difficult calving you successfully manage adds to your experience, but so does every difficult calving where you wisely called for help.

Related Resources

• When to Intervene in Calving
• Recognizing Normal vs. Difficult Birth
• Post-Calving Cow Care
• Newborn Calf Assessment

References

• Youngquist, R.S., Threlfall, W.R. "Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology." Saunders Elsevier.
• University of Minnesota Extension. "Calving Basics: Assisting with Calving." extension.umn.edu
• American Association of Bovine Practitioners. "Manual of Bovine Practice." aabp.org
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. "Managing Calving Difficulty." agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving Time." beef.unl.edu
• Mee, J.F. "Managing the calving cow." Cattle Practice.