Preparing for the calving season

CALVING season may have already commenced on some farms, for others it is fast approaching and preparation, organisation, planning and are all key management skills needed in the busy weeks and months ahead.

Being prepared and organised will reduce calf mortality, save labour and cut down on stress on both man and animals which will ultimately save you money.

Calving difficulties and or an outbreak of diseases add hugely to the amount of time and labour associated with calving. Taking some time pre calving season to prepare a list of essential equipment and resources required for calving as well as assessing your calving pens and facilities is a very worthwhile exercise.

In terms of facilities it is recommended that there is one calving pen per 10-15 cows. This is where the cow and calf will remain in the pen for one-to-two days.

Pens should be thoroughly clean, power washed and disinfected with a strong disinfectant before use. Have plenty of straw in store before calving starts. Ensure you have a supply of the following items, long armed disposable gloves for handling cows, clean soft calving ropes always have a spare set of ropes in case a rope breaks or gets worn, iodine or chlorohexidine solution to treat navels, a clean calving jack that is not worn or liable to slip, lubricant, electrolyte powders for scour treatment and a clean stomach tube.

Having a few litres of frozen colostrum in the freezer is a must. Ensure the calf receives an adequate level of colostrum. The rule for colostrum is 3-2-1 rule, 3 litres of colostrum within 2 hours from the first milking of the cow.