If they are back legs, they will bend in the shape of a Z, as the fetlock and hock bend in the oppo- site directions. If you have determined they are back legs, you do not need to waste your time looking for a head, but you do need to determine if the calf is upside down or not. If the calf has- n ’ t engaged correctly, it may be upside down as well as backwards, meaning the calf ’ s spine is facing the cow ’ s belly. Due to the way the calf spine bends, they cannot be pulled put this way, and need to be flipped around so the calf ’ s spine is against the cows spine.
If the calf is coming spine to spine, they can be pulled out as long as they are not too big. If the calf is coming hocks first with bent legs, the best way to get the feet out is push the calf back in to make more room, and then get a hand around the feet, being careful to cover the hoof with your hand so it does not cause any damage to the uterus. If you can get the feet up into the pelvis and place ropes, you can then pull the calf out. Be aware that once the umbilical breaks, the calf is at risk of asphyxiation, so as soon as the pelvis is out, you need to get the calf ’ s head out quickly.
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