Planning and preparing for the calving season can help minimize calf losses as well as improve calves’ performance according to North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists.
The nutrition status of the calving herd is one issue to consider in preparing for the upcoming spring calving season.
The last trimester of gestation is an important time to keep an eye on the calving herds’ nutrition, females calving with a body condition score less than 4 may experience birthing difficulties and may produce lower colostrum quality which may in turn impact rebreeding. As for the calves, they may have low vigor that may delay nursing. A tier nutritional management system may improve calf viability and reproduction ability, says Yuri Montanholi, Extension beef cattle specialist.
Preparation of the calving facilities is another key issue for successful calving.
Producers whose calving facility is outside it is important to have portions of the area which are protected from the wind and should consider the possibility of frostbite with fresh calves and extreme weather conditions advises Karl Hoppe, Extension livestock systems specialist.
For those who have indoor facilities or uncovered pens inspect and repair gates, pens, water supply, feeder, alleys, and head catches. Make sure to have an adequate amount of straw for bedding (5-7 lbs per cow per day), while continuously adding bedding to keep calves clean and dry which helps minimize issues with infections and impacts overall health.
Having an adequate stock of calving supplies is important as well.
Producers should have a good supply of plastic sleeves, lube, obstetrical chains or straps, calf-feeding bottles, halters, and ropes.
For those who have a calf puller, make sure it is clean and working properly, Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist Gerald Stokka recommends.
Producers need to have an adequate supply of colostrum or colostrum replacements as well.
Situations may arise where the quality of colostrum is a concern and a colostrum bank or replacers should be used. Colostrum replacement is much preferred in the situation due to containing significantly higher amounts of immunity than the supplements, says Stokka. Calves that nurse a limited amount or experience reduced absorption of passive immunity in colostrum are at a greater risk of illness and/or death.
Producers also should be prepared for problems during calving.
Producers should be aware of their limitations and know when they should call their veterinarian to ensure delivery and well-being of the cow and calf, says Hoppe.
An uneventful crop of calves is something cow-calf producers are aiming for after a long winter season, and having a plan and preparing for the calving season will help result in a successful spring calving season, Montanholi ends.