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Ran a heifer into the barn last night (1:00 am) because she had started calving an hour earlier and had nothing to show for her efforts. I reached in and found the head right where it's supposed to be, minus both front legs. I really hate that particular configuration. Compounding the proble was the fact the heifer was small and the calf was big. Once I got the feet pointed in the right direction (at this point my arms and hands are killing me) I took a pull on it but like a dummy I went and lost the head. So back in to find the head again which now was laid back along its shoulder, nose pointed to the cows belly.... niceley out of my reach. Finally got it straightened around (did I mention my arms and hands were now nearly lifeless? ), installed the snare like I should have done in the first place and pulled the little devil out.... to the hips. Of course by this time the calf wasn't quite as slippery as it should have been, and even though I gave it a couple of breaks (slacking off the pullers to let it have a chance at air) by the time it hit the floor it was quite dead.
However, from this experience I have renewed my appreciation for the head snare and made note to self to employ immediately in future similar situations.
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