João Simões is a Professor of Large Animal Medicine and Reproduction at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). As a clinician and academic, he has dedicated 27 years of his professional career to veterinary students and producers, and collaborated with national and European animal production associations. On the basis of this work experience and research, he has written numerous scientific and technical publications. In recent years, he has also edited several books and special issues on animal production and veterinary medicine for scientific journals.

George Stilwell worked as a practitioner mainly with farm animals for over 15 years before joining the Veterinary Medicine Faculty (FMV) in Lisbon, where he now lectures on Farm Animal Clinics and Deontology and Bioethics. He did his PhD on cattle pain management and is a Diplomate at the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM). He leads the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Lab (CIISA-FMV). George has been involved in various European projects on ruminant health and welfare (AWIN, Anicare, BovINE) and in several EFSA working groups. He is a board member of the Portuguese Veterinary Council and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and several books on farm animal health and welfare.

Comprehensive textbook and unique learning elements

With videos, animations and illustrated case studies on pregnancy, obstetrics and foetal dystocia

Complemented by 77 digital study questions in the free Springer Nature Flashcards App

Covers dam and calf care during all stages of reproduction

Links theory to good practice

Chapter 1. Generalities/Introduction.- Chapter 2. Anatomy of the reproductive system.- Chapter 3. Reproductive physiology.- Chapter 4. Non-pregnant and pregnant cow's management. - Chapter 5. Normal birth (eutocia).- Chapter 6. Abnormal occurrences during calving.- Chapter 7. Assisted vaginal delivery.- Chapter 8. Obstetric manoeuvres. - Chapter 9. Fetotomy.- Chapter 10. Caesarean Section.- Chapter 11. Obstetric problems before or during calving.- Chapter 12. Post-partum management.- Chapter 13. Post-partum diseases.- Chapter 14. Care and management of the newly born calf.