Management During Parturition

Parturition is the act of giving birth to fully grown foetus.

Parturition in Cattle

It is referred to as calving.

Gestation period lasts 270-285 days after conception.

When the signs of parturition are observed the cow should be separated from the rest of the herd.


Normal calving should take 2 hours and the normal presentation is the muzzle, face or fore head on top of the forelegs first.

In case of other presentations the mother should be assisted. Provide the mother with plenty of water and feed after parturition.

If the after birth does not come out within 48 hours a veterinarian should be called to remove it.

Parturition in Sheep

It is referred to as lambing.

Gestation lasts 21 weeks (150 days) after conception.

The ewe lamb naturally without any problem.

If complications arise the ewes should be assisted.

Signs of Parturition in Sheep

Udder becomes full.

Teats are bright red in colour.

Restlessness and bleating.

Slackening of the hip muscles.

After these signs 'are seen the ewes should be separated from the others.

The normal presentation is forelegs and head first.

After birth the mother should be allowed to lick the lamb to ensure the coat is dry.

Parturition in Goats

It is referred to as kidding.

It takes place 150 days after conception. Nannies carrying twins, kid a few days earlier.

Kidding nannies should be kept in a clean dry place which should be well sheltered.

Signs of parturition are similar to those of ewes.

Kidding nannies should be kept with another female for company.

Parturition in Pigs

It is referred to as farrowing.

Gestation period 113-117 days ( 4 months).

Signs of Farrowing

The sow becomes restless.

There is enlargement of the vulva .

Muscles on each side of the tail slacken. There is loss of appetite.

The udder and the teats become enlarged.

The sow collects bedding material in one comer to build a nest.

Milk present in the teats 24 hours before farrowing.

After the signs are seen;

Farrowing takes about 2-6 hours under normal condition.

An attendant should be there to assist the mother and piglets.

Ensure the removal of the after birth to prevent the sow from eating it.

The sow should be fed well and given plenty of clean water.


Parturition in Rabbits

It is referred to as kindling.

It takes place 28-32 days after conception.

Provide a nesting box and plenty of dry soft beddings in the hutch towards the fourth week of gestation .

Signs of Parturition

The doe plucks off the fur from her body.

Uses the fur to build a nest about 3-10 days earlier.

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