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298. A calving aid is a device which assists with traction of the calf during calving; it should only be used after careful examination of the mother indicates that a natural birth is not possible. Calving aids should not be routinely used to accelerate the delivery of a calf which would otherwise be born naturally.
299. In the past, the standard method of traction was to utilise the available manpower to pull on calving ropes. If this was insufficient, recourse was made to a variety of mechanical aids such as a block and tackle or even tractor power. Currently, more specialised types of mechanical aids are available. These are known as "calf pullers" or "calving jacks". Provided they are used correctly, they allow the amount of traction to be carefully controlled and the calf to be delivered without damage to the mother or offspring.
300. Before any type of calving aid is used, the cow should be examined to ensure that the calf is properly presented and of a size that natural delivery per vaginam can be reasonably expected, without causing undue pain and distress to either mother or offspring.
301. The presentation of the calf should be checked before and during delivery. If there is any doubt regarding the presentation or the ability to calve naturally, veterinary advice must be sought immediately.
302. Users of mechanical aids should have received training, be competent and have an understanding of the operation which they are performing.
303. Calving aids should only be used to assist a delivery and not to produce a calf as quickly as possible. Calving ropes should be flexible and of a sufficient diameter to avoid damaging the calf. Tension should be applied evenly and only during contractions.