Cows can give birth either while standing up or lying down.
When a cow is ready to give birth, the process usually unfolds in the following manner:
- The cow may choose to stand or lie down.
- Once the calf is born, the mother cow (also called the dam) will immediately start licking the calf.
- This licking is important because it stimulates the calf's blood circulation and encourages it to stand and nurse.
- It is common for the newborn calf to remain on the ground for a few minutes. This allows the calf to catch its breath after the birthing process.
This process, while sometimes requiring assistance from farmers or vets, generally is a natural process for healthy cows.
