MSU students get hands-on experience with calving

BOZEMAN – Just like ranchers across Montana, Montana State University student Caleb Bowey kept a watchful eye on heifers on a late February day, waiting for one to give birth.

"Most of these are due tomorrow," said Bowey of the dozen pregnant cattle hanging around the front of the calving barn. "But you can only guess. When it happens, it happens."

That's when Bowey and other MSU students jump into action, leading a heifer into the warmth of the barn, pulling a stuck calf out of the womb or helping the newborn onto its feet to nurse.

"I didn't have a lot of experience (with calving)," said Bow...