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Prepare For Successful Calving Season

published: November 9th 2008
by: Carole H. Brannen, extension animal scie
source: University of Georgia Extension Service

Proper planning prior to calving season can mean more live calves. Excessive losses
can mean the difference between a year’s profit or loss for a beef producer. Before the
calving season, it is a good time to put together the supplies and equipment that will be
needed to assist heifers and cows that need help at calving time. Before the season
starts, do a “walk-through” of pens, chutes, and calving stalls. Make sure that all are
clean, dry, strong, safe, and functioning correctly. This is a lot easier to do on a sunny
afternoon than a cold dark night when you need them.
 

It is also essential to develop a plan of what to do, when to do it, who to call for help
(along with phone numbers), and how to know when you need help. Make sure all
family members or helpers are familiar with the plan. It may help to write it out and post
copies in convenient places. Talk to your local veterinarian about your protocol and
incorporate his/her suggestions.
 

A “calving kit” can be assembled to have on hand in case of emergencies. Some useful
things to have on hand include disposable obstetrical sleeves, non- irritant antiseptic,
obstetrical chains (60 inch and/or two 30 inch chains), two obstetrical handles,
mechanical calf pullers, injectable antibiotics, and lubricant. Many lubricants have been
used and one of the best lubricants is probably the simplest: non detergent soap and
warm water. Don’t forget the simple things like a good flashlight and extra batteries and
some old towels or a roll of paper towels. It may be helpful for you to have all these
things and other items you may want to include packed into a 5 gallon bucket so you
can grab everything at once.
 

There are other sound management practices that are important when preparing for a
successful calving season. Some specific things a producer can do to limit calf loss
include:
- Separate first-calf heifers from mature cows. Calving difficulty can run as high as 30 to
40 percent for 2-year-old heifers compared to just 3 percent for mature cows. Place
them in a small, accessible pasture near a corral where assistance can be given if
needed.
- Provide a clean area for calving. The calving area should be a well-sodded pasture or
clean, dry maternity pen, not a wet, muddy lot.
- Be familiar with the signs of calving. Within a few hours of calving, cows generally
become nervous and uneasy. As contractions increase, a cow will likely wander away
from the rest of the herd.
- Check cows frequently. Observing cows and providing assistance when necessary
results in more live calves. However, cows should be disturbed as little as possible
during labor.
- Know when a cow needs assistance. Intervention is justified when two or three hours
have passed without progress or if delivery has not occurred within 90 minutes after the
water sac appears. In a normal delivery, the calf’s front legs and head will appear first.

    Proper planning before hand can make calving season go a lot smoother and can mean
more live calves and therefore more profit potential.