Colorado Modification for Complete Bovine Fetotomy

Abstract

At the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, an effective technique has been developed for complete bovine fetotomy.¹ With many cows in dystocia, not all of the cuts involved in the Utrecht fetotomy are necessary. In addition, the placement of the wire over previously cut surfaces is difficult. Thus, modifications of the Utrecht method of fetotomy were made in an effort to reduce fetal size with fewer cuts and to improve the ease of wire placement. In addition, delivery is usually easier if a means is created for gas to escape from the cavities of the emphysematous fetus.