No time like present to prepare for calving

Spring calving time is fast approaching and it is timely to make some preparations.

For a start check cow condition, making sure your cows and heifers are not too fat or too thin at calving.

Feed them a balanced diet during pregnancy including trace minerals and vitamins. A small bit of preparation work before calving commences can help to make the calving season more successful and minimise calf mortality.

It is a good time to inspect the calving facility and carry out any corrective maintenance that may be needed.

Gates and head locks may need replacing or mending. Any equipment needed for the calving season should be put together in one central location in or near the calving facility where it is in easy reach.

There is nothing worse than assisting a cow at calving and having to chase around looking for the calving jack, ropes or gloves when time is of the essence.

It is also a good time to check the functioning of the calving jack and repair it or even replace it before it is needed.

If cows need vaccinations be sure to administer within the required time limit before calving.

Ideally, move pregnant animals to a calving unit before they start to calve – this will generally ensure a more hygienic environment and help prevent losses due to early scours and navel/joint ill.

Supervise but don’t necessarily intervene during calving. If a calving jack is used be careful not to pull the jack downwards too acutely before the calves chest comes out when assisting a birth, as this can cause fractured ribs in the calve.

To avoid injuries to the calf, call the vet early if you’re not sure you can get the calf out alive.

Care for the new-born calf - Be present at calving to resuscitate a weak calf, dress its navel and ensure it receives colostrum.

Resuscitate weak calves by suspending the calf upside down (max one minute), pour water over its head and sit the calf upright.

Use resuscitating drops/gels or other resuscitating aids if available. Navel ill is a problem where the calf’s immunity and the calving environment hygiene are poor.

To prevent this condition, ensure calves get adequate colostrum, dress the navel cord as appropriate, and keep the calving bedding clean.

Calves should suckle the cow until they are full as soon as possible after birth.

Feeding the calf 5% of its birth weight (e.g. 2 litres of colostrum for a 40 kg calf ) within one hour or so of birth, with subsequent suckling of the dam (or a second feed) 6 to 8 hours later ensures adequate passive immunity.

Proper supervision around calving is vital in reducing calf mortality. As cows approach calving they should be seen at least four times daily as certain cows can calve quite quickly without showing too many of the signs of calving that we are all familiar with.

Once cows approach calving they should be separated away from the main herd and should be placed in the calving facility promptly.

A word of caution – accidents happen around calving involving attacks from temperamental cows – be careful!