The Visual Guide to
Bovine Reproduction
- Normal Calving
- Multiple Births
- Calving Facilities
- Pelvic Dimensions
- Calving Problems
- True Breech
- Sizing the Fetus
- Calving Injuries
- Cesarean Section
- Fetotomy
- Pelvic Splitting
- Episiotomy
Obstetrics: Fetotomy
Obstetric tools required to perform a fetotomy in cattle.
Obstetric tools required to perform a fetotomy in cattle: (1) fetotome, (2) obstetrical wire threader, (3) obstretrical wire, (4) obstetrical wire handles, (5) wire cutting pliers, (6) obstetric chains, (7) obstretrical handles, (8) Krey's hook with chain, and (9) obstretrical wire guide.
Jimenez M (2020)
Decapitation and neck amputation.
This procedure allows the shoulders to collapse, and may provide sufficient space for the calf to be delivered or to provide more space for the next cut.
Jimenez M (2020)
Decapitation and neck amputation.
Start cutting on a steady manner performing wide arm strokes until the head and neck detach from the body.
Jimenez M (2020)
Shoulder collapse after decapitation and neck amputation.
The shoulders can now be collapsed and you can try to deliver the calf. If the calf still cannot be delivered, proceed to the next step (image).
Jimenez M (2020)
Thoracic cut.
You can now place the fetotome as caudal (i.e. toward the tail) as possible to remove the thorax and eviscerate.
Jimenez M (2020)
Evisceration after thoracic cut.
Once you have removed the thorax and front legs, eviscerate. If tge calf is still too big to be delivered, proceed to the next cut.
Jimenez M (2020)
Abdominal cut.
Abdominal cut. Grab the spine with the Krey’s hook, pull the calf to you as much forward as possible, place the ob wire as far back as possible, and perform the cut.
Jimenez M (2020)
