Keep the maternity area well ventilated, dry and well bedded, preferably with straw. For larger herds, several such pens should be clean and available at all times. During the warm and humid months ventilation may need to be increased, dry cow and calving pens cleaned more frequently and the density of cows per unit area reduced in order to maintain general health of the herd. Difficult births and retained placenta frequently result in metritis. Be sure you are not providing assistance before it is needed.
Some farmers interfere too early in the calving process and cause more problems than they solve.
Review calving assistance technique and preliminary treatment for retained placenta with your veterinarian. Before giving assistance, thoroughly wash the perineal region with disinfectant, soap and water. Obstetrical chains and other equipment should also be disinfected. Use of disposable plastic sleeves help protect both cow and human from transfer of germs. In order to avoid calving difficulty, be sure your heifers are grown to adequate size before they are inseminated.