3 Simple, Invaluable Calving Tips
Our 2021 Calving season is here and gone. Two healthy, heifer calves later, I realized I wanted to capture three simple tips that have made our calving season much less stressful. The good news is that mini calves are typically much easier to calf than their full size counterparts. We are breeding for reduced size, not large meat production. That said, sometimes folks get into trouble when their cows are smaller than the bulls. Captain Jack Sparrow, our foundation bull, with his midget legs is able to cover our cows which are a few inches taller than he is.
Be Prepared!
Know when you expect the cows to calf. Write the dates down when they were bred and add 9 months. It’s not an exact science, but start with the calendar date. From there let their overall condition tell you how close they are. Are their udders filling up? Are the teats full? Are there any signs of milk drips? Have the vulvas and tail head relaxed? The muscles in the entire hind end will relax and droop.
Move the cows to where you want them to calf. Moving them to a closer barn, horse stall, a smaller paddock or a small, grassy field is convenient. Be sure the cows feel settled in their new spot, and that there aren’t any traps for a little one. Is there standing water? Is the fence small enough to keep the calves in and dangers out? Do you have a camera and is it positioned so you can see the WHOLE area?
Have your supplies ready. Our calving kit contains, OB Lube, chains, OB gloves, betadine, towels, hobbles, and calf colostrum replacer. Hopefully, you won’t need anything, but it’s better to be prepared!
Is your vet aware that you’re getting close to calving? A courtesy call is appreciated. Again, hopefully, you don’t need their help, but it’s better to be prepared!
Let Nature Do Her thing.
If you’re lucky enough to catch your cow giving birth, in most cases you’re going to be a bystander. Watch and take photos or videos. Only intervene if and when it’s necessary. Cows and even heifers have a natural way of dealing with birthing. Everything they go through is part of the process and helps with a smooth birth and encourage a strong calf. The cow may pause during birthing to catch her breath and rest, that’s ok. She may get up and walk around, also ok, the calf may need to be repositioned. The calf will struggle to get up and fall down. They look like such helpless amoebas, but that struggle helps them become stronger and figure out how their legs work. Once the calf is up, they may try to nurse on anything, a fence board, the cow’s chest, your leg, etc. The calves instinctively know to keep pushing and looking up to find a teat. It’s actually easier for them to find the udders if there are fewer distractions, like you trying to help them find a teat. In most cases, truly, nature takes over and takes care. So, when SHOULD you step in and what should you do? That’s tip #3…
Write it down!
It’s easy to get excited or distracted during the birthing process, so write it down. Write down key details and the time of each to help you keep track: water broke, first appearance of feet, calf was born, the calf standing, the calf nursing, the placenta was passed, and first calf poop or pee. During the actual birth, in general, you should see progress from one stage to the next within 20 to 30 minutes. After birthing, the other steps can take longer, 2 hour milestones aren’t uncommon. So, it’s been 40 minutes during birthing and you see feet, but no other progress. What should you do? Call your vet, share the details and timing of when everything has been happening and get their opinion on next steps! The good news is that you’ve prepared and have all the info your vet needs to make an informed decision and provide guidance.
Good luck and Happy Calving Season!
Mighty Mouse, about 15 minutes old.
Gloves, chains, OB lube, Betadine, Calf Colostrum
Time flies, so write it down!
Let nature do her thing and watch from afar!