Miracle of Birth
Miracle of Birth by Dave Wright, DVM “That was amazing.” exclaimed the doctor as he stepped into the office. “You’d have thought I just delivered Jesus Christ!” He filled a water bottle and took a sip. “I’ve assisted lots of deliveries, but never before hundreds of cheering fans.” This is the way many volunteer veterinarians feel after assisting the deliveries of cows, pigs, and sheep at the Minnesota State Fair Miracle of Birth Center. The MOBC, as it is often called, is the most popular exhibit at the fair. While nearly two million people attend the Great Minnesota Get Together, it is estimated that half of them visit the MOBC. It is an opportunity for farmers and veterinarians to share the miraculous experience of live births with people who are often two generations removed from farm life and have never seen an animal being born. As one of the veterinary co-chairs, I often join the other volunteers—veterinarians, veterinary students, FFA students, vet-techs, and indust...
