Managing Your Calving Season for Optimal Herd Health and Productivity

Managing your calving season effectively is crucial for a healthy, productive cattle herd. Focus on meticulous pre-calving preparation, vigilant monitoring during birth, and immediate, proper post-calving care for both cow and calf. This proactive approach minimizes losses, boosts calf survival rates, and sets your herd up for long-term success.

The arrival of new calves is a highlight for any cattle producer, but it also brings significant challenges. From ensuring cows are in peak condition before birth to providing immediate care for newborns, the calving season can be a demanding time. Many producers find themselves overwhelmed, worried about complications, or unsure if they’re doing everything possible to protect their investment. Rest assured, you’re not alone in these concerns. This article is designed to simplify the complexities of calving, offering clear, practical steps to manage your season for optimal herd health and productivity. Let’s walk through each essential step, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful calving season.

Understanding the Importance of a Well-Managed Calving Season

A successful calving season isn’t just about getting calves on the ground; it’s about ensuring those calves thrive and grow into productive members of your herd. Poor management can lead to higher calf mortality, reduced growth rates, increased veterinary costs, and decreased profitability. Conversely, a well-planned and executed calving strategy leads to:

• Increased Calf Survival Rates: Healthy cows give birth to healthy calves that are more likely to survive.
• Improved Calf Health and Vigor: Proper care from birth reduces susceptibility to disease.
• Better Cow Health and Reproductive Performance: Cows recover faster and breed back more efficiently.
• Reduced Economic Losses: Fewer calf deaths and less need for costly interventions.
• Enhanced Herd Productivity: More healthy calves mean more animals to sell or retain for breeding.

Pillar 1: Comprehensive Pre-Calving Preparation

Preparation is the cornerstone of a successful calving season. What you do before the first calf arrives significantly impacts the outcomes.

Nutritional Management of Pregnant Cows

The nutritional status of your cows in the last trimester of pregnancy is critical. Adequate nutrition ensures the cow has enough energy for calving and colostrum production, and that the calf is born strong and healthy. Energy and protein are key, but don’t overlook minerals and vitamins.

• Energy: Cows need increasing energy as the fetus grows rapidly. Insufficient energy can lead to weak calves, dystocia (difficult birth), and poor colostrum quality.
• Protein: Essential for fetal development and milk production.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Ensure a balanced mineral program, especially focusing on trace minerals like selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese, which are vital for calf immunity and vigor. Vitamin A and E are also crucial.
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS): Aim for a BCS of 5-6 (on a 9-point scale) at calving. Cows that are too thin may struggle with calving and lactation, while overly fat cows can also experience dystocia.

Calving Facilities and Environment

The environment where cows calve plays a huge role in calf survival, especially in adverse weather.

• Cleanliness: Calving areas should be as clean as possible to minimize pathogen exposure to the newborn calf’s navel and mouth. Regularly remove manure and replace bedding.
• Shelter: Provide protection from wind, rain, and snow. Three-sided sheds facing away from prevailing winds are often sufficient. For extremely cold weather, individual calving pens with heat lamps might be necessary for at-risk calves.
• Space: Ensure adequate space per cow to prevent overcrowding, which can increase stress and disease transmission.
• Accessibility: Design facilities for easy access to cows needing assistance, but also for safe handling of both cow and calf.

Essential Calving Equipment and Supplies

Having a well-stocked calving kit on hand can be the difference between life and death for a calf in distress. Don’t wait until you need something to realize you don’t have it.

Table 1: Essential Calving Kit Supplies

Category	Item	Purpose
Assistance Tools	OB Chains/Straps	Aids in pulling calves during difficult births.
	Calf Jack (if experienced)	Provides mechanical assistance for pulling, use with extreme caution.
	Lubricant (OB Lube)	Facilitates calf passage and reduces friction.
Hygiene & Safety	Disposable Gloves (long)	Maintains hygiene for internal examinations.
	Disinfectant (e.g., Iodine)	For navel dipping to prevent infection.
	Clean Towels/Rags	To dry calves and clean up.
Calf Care	Colostrum Replacer/Supplement	For calves that don’t get enough natural colostrum.
	Esophageal Feeder	To administer colostrum or fluids to weak calves.
	Thermometer	To check calf body temperature.
	Calf Scour Treatment	Oral electrolytes and medications for diarrhea.
Identification & Records	Ear Tags & Applicator	For permanent identification of calves.
	Record Book/Tablet	To log birth dates, weights, IDs, and any issues.
Miscellaneous	Flashlight/Headlamp	For night checks.
	Heat Lamp (for severe weather)	To warm hypothermic calves.
	Veterinarian’s Contact Info	Quick access for emergencies.

Vaccination Protocols

A robust vaccination program for your cow herd is crucial. Vaccinating cows before calving helps them build immunity that they pass on to their calves through colostrum. Consult your veterinarian to develop a specific protocol for your herd, but common recommendations include:

• Respiratory Vaccines: Against diseases like Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Parainfluenza-3 (PI3).
• Clostridial Vaccines: To protect against diseases like blackleg.
• Scour Vaccines: Specifically targeting common causes of calf scours (e.g., rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli). Administer these vaccines to pregnant cows 2-4 weeks before calving.

Pillar 2: Vigilant Monitoring and Timely Assistance During Calving

The calving process itself requires close observation, but knowing when and how to intervene is key.

Recognizing Signs of Calving

Cows typically show several signs as calving approaches:

• Udder Development: Udder fills and teats become distended (bagging up).
• Relaxation of Pelvic Ligaments: The area around the tailhead may appear sunken.
• Swelling of the Vulva: The vulva may become enlarged and swollen.
• Behavioral Changes: Restlessness, isolation from the herd, getting up and down frequently, pawing the ground, or nesting behavior.
• Mucus Discharge: A stringy mucus discharge may be observed.

Stages of Calving and When to Intervene

Calving generally occurs in three stages:

1. Stage 1 (Dilation): The cervix dilates, and contractions begin. The cow may appear restless, uncomfortable, and separate from the herd. This stage can last 2-6 hours. No intervention is typically needed here.
2. Stage 2 (Expulsion of Calf): This is when active labor begins, marked by visible straining and the appearance of the water bag. The calf should be delivered within 30 minutes to 2 hours after the water bag breaks or feet appear.
   • When to Intervene: If the cow has been actively straining for 1-2 hours with no progress, or if only one foot or the head is visible, it’s time to investigate. If the presentation is abnormal (e.g., hind feet first, only a tail), immediate assistance is often needed.
   • How to Intervene: Always ensure cleanliness. Wash hands and arms thoroughly and use long obstetrical gloves. Assess the presentation. If the calf is presented normally (front feet first, head resting on legs), gentle traction can be applied during contractions. If abnormal, repositioning may be necessary. If you’re unsure or struggling, call your veterinarian immediately.
3. Stage 3 (Expulsion of Placenta): The cow expels the afterbirth. This usually happens within 2-8 hours after calving.
   • When to Intervene: If the placenta is not passed within 12-24 hours, it’s considered a retained placenta. While not an immediate emergency, it can lead to uterine infection and affect future fertility. Consult your vet.

For more detailed information on calving assistance, resources like the Merck Veterinary Manual on Calving and Dystocia can be invaluable.

Pillar 3: Immediate Post-Calving Care for Cow and Calf

The first few hours and days after birth are critical for the calf’s survival and the cow’s recovery.

Colostrum Management: The Calf’s First Defense

Colostrum, the first milk produced by the cow, is vital. It’s rich in antibodies (immunoglobulins) that provide passive immunity to the calf. Calves are born with no antibodies and must absorb them from colostrum within the first 12-24 hours of life, with absorption efficiency decreasing rapidly after 6 hours.

• Timeliness: Ensure the calf nurses within 2-4 hours of birth. Ideally, a calf should consume 10-15% of its body weight in colostrum within the first 12 hours.
• Quantity and Quality: Observe if the calf nurses vigorously. If not, or if the cow’s udder is not full, consider providing supplemental colostrum (from another healthy cow, frozen colostrum bank, or commercial colostrum replacer).
• Testing Colostrum: A colostrometer can be used to measure the quality (antibody concentration) of colostrum if you are collecting it.

Navel Care

The navel (umbilicus) is a direct pathway for bacteria into the calf’s bloodstream. Proper navel dipping is simple but crucial.

• Procedure: Dip the navel in a strong antiseptic solution (e.g., 7% iodine solution or chlorhexidine) shortly after birth. Ensure the entire navel cord is saturated.
• Frequency: Repeat the dipping once or twice daily for the first few days, or until the navel dries and shrinks.
• Observation: Watch for signs of navel infection (swelling, heat, pain, pus, lameness, fever).

Calf Identification and Record Keeping

Accurate records are essential for tracking performance, managing breeding, and making informed decisions.

• Identification: Ear tag calves soon after birth. Use a consistent numbering system.
• Records: Document birth date, calf ID, dam ID, sire ID, birth weight, sex, calving ease score, and any health issues or treatments.
• Importance: These records help identify productive cows, track genetic lines, monitor growth rates, and diagnose herd-level issues.

Cow Recovery and Nutrition Post-Calving

The cow’s nutritional needs increase significantly after calving due to lactation. Ensure she has access to high-quality feed and fresh water.

• Energy and Protein: Increase feed intake to meet the demands of milk production. Undernourished cows will lose body condition, which can delay rebreeding.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Continue a balanced mineral program to support milk production and reproductive health.
• Monitoring: Observe cows for signs of post-calving complications like retained placenta, metritis (uterine infection), or milk fever.

Pillar 4: Managing Common Calving Season Challenges

Despite best efforts, challenges can arise. Knowing how to identify and address them quickly is vital.

Table 2: Common Calf Ailments, Symptoms, and Initial Management

Ailment	Common Symptoms	Initial Management & Prevention	When to Call the Vet
Dystocia (Difficult Birth)	Prolonged labor, abnormal presentation, cow straining with no progress.	Gentle assistance with proper technique (cleanliness, lube, traction).	No progress after 1-2 hours of straining; abnormal presentation that cannot be corrected; calf too large.
Calf Scours (Diarrhea)	Watery, foul-smelling feces; dehydration; weakness; fever or subnormal temp.	Oral electrolytes to rehydrate; isolate affected calf; ensure colostrum intake.	Severe dehydration; calf unresponsive to electrolytes; blood in stool; multiple calves affected.
Hypothermia (Chilling)	Cold to the touch (especially extremities); weak or unresponsive; shivering (early stage).	Dry calf; warm slowly (warm water bath, warming box, heat lamp); provide warm colostrum/milk.	Calf is non-responsive; core body temp below 98°F (36.7°C); not responding to warming.
Pneumonia (Respiratory Disease)	Coughing; nasal discharge; rapid, shallow breathing; fever; dullness.	Provide warm, dry, draft-free environment; ensure adequate ventilation; consult vet for antibiotics.	Symptoms worsen; calf stops eating; multiple calves affected.
Navel Infection	Swelling, heat, pain around navel; pus; lameness; fever.	Clean and dip navel at birth; ensure proper hygiene in calving area.	Any signs of infection; calf appears lethargic or feverish.

Biosecurity Measures

Preventing the introduction and spread of disease is paramount during calving season.

• Isolation: Isolate sick calves immediately to prevent spread to others.
• Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect calving pens, equipment, and feeding tools.
• Footbaths: Consider footbaths for personnel entering and exiting calving areas.
• Traffic Control: Limit unnecessary traffic into calving areas.
• Veterinary Consultation: Work with your veterinarian to establish a biosecurity plan tailored to your operation.

Pillar 5: The Role of Veterinary Partnership

Your veterinarian is an invaluable resource. Establish a strong working relationship before calving season begins.

• Herd Health Plan: Work together to develop a comprehensive herd health plan, including vaccination schedules, parasite control, and nutritional advice.
• Emergency Protocols: Discuss emergency procedures for difficult calvings or sick animals. Know when to call and what information to have ready.
• Training: Ask your vet for training on basic calving assistance techniques, navel care, or administering medications.
• Post-Mortem Examinations: If you experience calf losses, consider a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Pillar 6: Continuous Improvement Through Record Keeping and Analysis

Managing your calving season isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous cycle of improvement. Effective record keeping and analysis are crucial for this.

• Detailed Records: Beyond just birth date and ID, record calving ease scores (e.g., 1=no assistance, 5=caesarean), calf vigor at birth, colostrum intake notes, any treatments given, and the outcome.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Calf Mortality Rate: Number of calves born dead or dying before weaning.
  • Calving Ease Scores: Helps identify cows or sires prone to dystocia.
  • Weaning Weights: Correlate with dam milk production and calf health.
  • Conception Rates: Track how quickly cows rebreed after calving.
• Data Analysis: Review your records annually.
  • Are certain cows consistently having difficult births?
  • Are calves from particular sires struggling?
  • Are there patterns in calf illnesses (e.g., scours outbreaks linked to specific pens or weather)?
  • Are your vaccination programs effective?
• Decision Making: Use this data to make informed decisions about culling problem cows, selecting sires, adjusting nutrition programs, or improving facilities. This data-driven approach is key to long-term herd health and productivity.

Conclusion

Managing your calving season for optimal herd health and productivity is a multifaceted endeavor that demands attention to detail, proactive planning, and a commitment to animal welfare. By focusing on robust pre-calving preparation, vigilant monitoring, prompt post-calving care, effective challenge management, and continuous improvement through record-keeping, you can significantly enhance your herd’s success. Remember, a healthy calf is a profitable calf, and investing time and effort into your calving season will yield substantial returns for your operation. Partner with your veterinarian, stay informed, and enjoy the rewards of a thriving, productive herd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does a cow typically calve?

A cow typically calves within 30 minutes to 2 hours of active straining once the water bag appears or feet are visible. The entire process from initial signs of labor to placenta expulsion can take several hours.

Q2: What is colostrum and why is it so important for newborn calves?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the cow after calving. It’s crucial because it contains a high concentration of antibodies (immunoglobulins) that provide the calf with passive immunity against diseases. Calves are born without antibodies and must absorb them from colostrum within the first 12-24 hours of life to build their immune system.

Q3: When should I intervene if a cow is having trouble calving?

You should consider intervening if a cow has been actively straining for 1-2 hours with no progress, or if the calf’s presentation is abnormal (e.g., only one foot, tail first, or head back). If you are unsure or unable to correct the issue, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q4: How can I prevent calf scours in my herd?

Preventing calf scours involves several strategies: ensuring adequate colostrum intake, maintaining clean calving environments, implementing a pre-calving vaccination program for cows (to pass antibodies to calves), managing cow nutrition, and isolating sick calves promptly to prevent spread.

Q5: What is the ideal body condition score for a cow at calving?

The ideal body condition score (BCS) for a cow at calving is typically 5 to 6 on a 9-point scale. Cows that are too thin (BCS below 4) may have difficulty calving, produce less colostrum, and struggle to rebreed. Overly fat cows (BCS above 7) can also experience calving difficulties due to excessive internal fat.

Q6: How often should I check my cows during calving season?

During peak calving season, it’s recommended to check your cows frequently, ideally every 2-4 hours, especially for heifers and first-time mothers. More frequent checks (e.g., every 1-2 hours) might be necessary during extreme weather or for cows showing early signs of labor. However, avoid disturbing cows unnecessarily.

Q7: What should I do if a newborn calf is very cold and weak?

If a newborn calf is cold and weak (hypothermic), immediately dry it off with towels. Then, warm it slowly in a warming box, with a heat lamp (be careful not to overheat), or by immersing it in warm water (ensure head is kept out of water). Once warmed, provide warm colostrum or a colostrum replacer via a bottle or esophageal feeder. Consult your veterinarian if the calf doesn’t respond quickly.