The cow may lie on her breastbone with her feet beneath the body and her head turned sleepily round, with the nose resting on the right flank; or, if worse, she may be stretched full on her side, with even the head extended, though at times it is suddenly raised and again dashed back on the ground.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler
Then cut through the muscles connecting the front of the breastbone with the neck and its hinder end with the belly, and pull out the entire breastbone.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler
In case of a large fetus, the head of which is beyond reach, even when traction is made on the limbs, a rope may be passed around the neck and pulled, while the breastbone is pressed downward and backward by the repeller, and soon the change of position will bring the orbit or lower jaw within reach.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler