Can a cow give birth to two calves days apart? - Ask Extension
We have a cow that calved two days ago and now is acting like she might be going into labor again. Is it possible for her to still be pregnant and ha...
Knowledgebase
Can a cow give birth to two calves days apart? #163898
Asked January 11, 2014, 2:07 PM EST
We have a cow that calved two days ago and now is acting like she might be going into labor again. Is it possible for her to still be pregnant and have another calf?
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
A cow pregnant with twins will deliver both live calves at term on her day of parturition.
If one of the twins is dead, the delivery of the dead calf could be delayed a day or two.
When a cow is bred on one cycle and conceives but cycles during pregnancy, is bred and conceives again, she will deliver each calf at its term, meaning that she will deliver the two calves several weeks to months apart.
After calving, a cow with a swollen and/or infected womb will continue to have signs of labor for several days.
I suggest that a veterinarian conduct a reproductive examination on your cow to determine the status of her womb: presence of a twin calf or an affected womb.
If one of the twins is dead, the delivery of the dead calf could be delayed a day or two.
When a cow is bred on one cycle and conceives but cycles during pregnancy, is bred and conceives again, she will deliver each calf at its term, meaning that she will deliver the two calves several weeks to months apart.
After calving, a cow with a swollen and/or infected womb will continue to have signs of labor for several days.
I suggest that a veterinarian conduct a reproductive examination on your cow to determine the status of her womb: presence of a twin calf or an affected womb.
