Summary

What to expect during bovine gestation and calving, outlining normal timelines, labor stages, and signs of impending birth. It notes that average gestation lasts about 280 days, with physical changes such as udder enlargement and vulvar swelling occurring shortly before calving. The fact sheet describes the three stages of labor, including expected behaviors, duration, and normal calf presentation. It also provides clear guidance on warning signs and complications—such as abnormal discharge, lack of labor progression, incorrect calf positioning, or prolapse—that indicate when a veterinarian should be contacted to protect the health of both cow and calf.