Calving season has begun for a lot of farmers. This time of year brings many variables to try and control for as many live births possible. Most calving difficulties are caused by high birth weights, so unfortunately, it's too late to remedy that potential problem. Less than 5 percent of unsuccessful calvings are due to the calf being in the wrong position. So this news comes in time to evaluate your birth weights this year, and plan for next. Dona Funk, Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri, said, “Preparing for the calving season begins before buying a bull.”
In addition to genetics, however, there are situations you can control. Too much protein in the diet can increase the weight of the calf and cause breeding problems. Less than 16 percent protein is recommended by Funk. “Much of the hay in southwest Missouri is low in energy and should be supplemented with additional energy such as corn,” said Funk. If the diet is too low in energy, the cows won’t have the strength to calve properly. A cow that is too fat is also likely to have difficulty calving.
Watching springer cows for potential problems is standard practice. How often cows should be checked throughout the day depends on a couple different things. One thing being how well the farmer can “read” his cows. According to Funk, “If a farmer really knows his cows, their habits and what to watch for, he can check less often.” Checking the cows once a day, she believes, is an unnecessary risk. We don’t want to rush in and help too quickly, but if a cow has been in labor over an hour with nothing showing, she most likely needs help. If the calf isn’t born within two hours, it’s a pretty sure thing she’s having difficulty. If a cow has struggled for an hour or two, she’ll have less trouble than if she has struggled for six or eight hours. Another factor is if the bull has proven to throw small calves, less frequent checks may be needed.
The first calf heifers are especially crucial to watch. Funk suggested moving them to a field the producer passes several times a day, or one closer to the house. It’s a good idea to move them into a place where they are comfortable three weeks prior to calving. If they are moved later, the stress will have a negative effect.
Once the calf is born, it’s vital to see that it gets colostrum. “Some calves will nurse in an hour, but six to eight hours is more realistic,” Funk said. If the calf appears weak or the producer is unsure if the calf suckled, colostrum should be given. They really must have colostrum within the first 12 hours of life. Commercial colostrum does a good job and should be on the farm before it’s needed.
Funk stressed the importance of a good relationship with the vet, who can recommend the correct amount of colostrum for the breed and size of calf. She said, “it’s important to work with a vet you’re comfortable calling at two in the morning if needed.”
The calves should be worked and tagged as soon as possible before they’re hard to catch. Iodine can be applied to disinfect the navel. When the calves are two or three days old, they should be moved out of the maternity pen to ensure cleanliness, as older calves can introduce disease, and compromise the safety of the newest born calves.
