Around the time of birth, many factors determine whether a calf gets off to a smooth start in life. Prof. Dr Axel Wehrend, a veterinary surgeon and Head of the Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology at JLU Giessen, explains how to create the best possible conditions for low-complication births resulting in healthy cows and calves. As a recognised expert, he offers practical advice on birth monitoring, the principles of gentle obstetrics, the prevention of difficult births and postnatal care.