How to Deliver Twin Calves

Delivering twin calves requires patience, experience, the ability to stay calm under pressure and proper precautions. The University of Missouri Extension website states: "Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized. Introduction of bacteria by equipment or arms of the person assisting with the calving may reduce fertility of the cow by delaying return to estrus and lowering conception." Most cows prefer to deliver their calves standing up, which can be very helpful. You can use the natural pull of gravity to help deliver twin calves.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 clean, sterile 5-gallon buckets
  • Warm water
  • Obstetrical lube
  • Disinfectant approved for veterinary use
  • Sterile cotton towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 5 gallons of warm water with disinfectant, according to the disinfectant label. Keep this bucket near the cow when she goes into labor.

    • 2

      Scrub and disinfect your hands and arms with the bucket of disinfectant before attempting to help your cow deliver twins. Also remove all jewelry.

    • 3

      Mix 5 gallons of warm water with one bottle of obstetric lube. Keep this bucket near the cow when she goes into labor.

    • 4

      Ascertain the position of the first calf to be delivered, by feeling the calf with your hands. The calf should present with the head resting on the two front legs.

    • 5

      Apply the water/lube mixture liberally all around the cow's vulva and the head of the first calf that you see.

    • 6

      Grip the two front legs of the first twin and pull down in the direction of the cow's hocks. Only pull during contractions, using slow and steady traction to deliver the calf.

    • 7

      Wait for the nose and two front legs of the second calf to appear.

    • 8

      Pull the second calf by gripping the front legs and pulling in the direction of the cow's hocks, using slow and steady traction.

    • 9

      Place both twins where the cow can see them and lick them. It is imperative that the cow sees both twins or she may reject one.

    • 10

      Wash the cow's vulva and surrounding areas thoroughly with the water/disinfectant mix and a clean, sterile towel.

    Twins Delivering at the Same Time

    • 11

      Decide which twin is closest to being born first. If you are unsure and one calf is breech -- presenting backwards -- pull that calf first, by gripping the back legs and pulling in the direction of the cow's hocks.

    • 12

      Gently push the twin calf that is farthest from being born back into the cow's uterus. This should only be done between contractions.

    • 13

      Grip the front or back legs of the first presenting twin and pull in the direction of the cow's hocks. Apply slow consistent traction during each contraction until the twin calf is delivered. Try to deliver the first twin quickly before the second twin reappears.

    • 14

      Wait for the legs and nose of the second twin calf to appear.

    • 15

      Pull the second calf by firmly gripping the front legs and pulling in the direction of the cow's hocks, using slow and steady traction.

    • 16

      Wash the cow's vulva and surrounding areas thoroughly with the water/disinfectant mix, and a clean sterile towel.