This is where late pregnancy fetal surveillance comes in handy. The non-stress test is one of the staples. Why Do an NST. This test can be done in the later stages of pregnancy. It is more frequently used in cases where the mother is going past her assigned due date to ensure fetal well-being.
Not sure what it's called, but we make the same knot that the baler knotter makes to tie balls together. Hold the 2 twines together, make a loop, and pass the ends through the loop, trim to about 1 inch. If you cut the ends too short (makes no difference in the knot) the twine will simply pull apart.
Unlike natural casing, collagen casing does need to be tied into links because it will unwind itself if it's just twisted instead. I use cotton butcher string to do the job. Remember to tie twice at the end of each link and cut between the knots. There you have it: Home sausage making in a nut shell.