Once a calf is delivered in a cow, what is the first concern to check?

The first concern after a calf is delivered is to confirm whether the calf is alive. This is crucial because the health and viability of the calf directly impact its future and may also have implications for the cow's health and well-being. Checking for signs of life, such as breathing, movement, and a strong heartbeat, is essential to ensure that the calf is stable and can begin its transition to life outside the womb.

While determining the sex of the calf or checking for traits like being polled (hornless) may be relevant later for record-keeping or breeding decisions, they are not immediate priorities. Additionally, whether the calf was born in a breech position (the hindquarters coming out first) can impact the delivery process but does not take precedence over ensuring the calf's survival immediately following birth. Assessing the life status of the calf sets the stage for all subsequent care and management decisions.