home Rear view of ewe showing mucus plug hanging from swollen, reddened vulva, and swollen udder. Ways of Identifying Impending parturition

There are a number of physical and behavioral changes that indicate impending parturition.This photo demonstrates a number of physical changes that can be observed in an animal that is about to give birth.  The tissue surrounding the tailhead appears sunken, the vulva is swollen and slightly reddened, the udder is swollen and milk-filled, and stringy mucus (mucus plug)is visible exuding from the vulva.

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