Kate Brodie, large animal veterinary surgeon at Drove Veterinary Hospital, focuses on economics and midwifery.

As farm vets we spend a lot of time outside in all weathers, and at all times of the day and night.

Our days can be very varied and exciting. Often an early morning or late night call comes in to help a cow who is having difficulties giving birth.

When driving to such a call we are always slightly nervous about what is waiting for us at the farm.

The calf may be too big compared to the cow or may not be coming out the right way.

Normally a calf will be positioned as if it is "diving" out of the cow. If a leg or head is in the wrong position the mother will not be able to push the calf out. We have to try and manipulate the calf into the right position.

Sometimes we are presented with just a bottom and no hind legs! This is a true breach birth. We have to move the calf's back legs until they are coming out first.

Just like in humans we use epidurals for pain relief and to help us manipulate the calf.

If we can't correct the problem then a Caesarean section may be needed. This is done with the cow standing up. We use local anaesthetic and make a hole in her side to get the calf out, then stitch it all back up again.

Having a calf is what stimulates a cow to make milk. In the wild she would produce enough milk just to feed her calf.

Now, with genetics and breeding, cows can produce more than 40 litres of milk a day.

Cows are milked usually twice a day until about two months before their next calf is due to be born. When she is not being milked, the cow's milk dries up and she has a two-month holiday!

As farm vets our job involves treating the animal and ensuring their welfare, but also making commercial and economic decisions. There's much to ponder when driving around the Wiltshire countryside.