Calving - Articles - Page 2

7 calving season safety tips to keep in mind

Producers can make calving season more safe and less stressful by reviewing calving basics, gathering all necessary supplies and getting their facilities in shape.

February 20, 2023

Liane Carter

Here are seven tips for ensuring your cows, calves and handlers have the easiest and safest time possible when it comes to calving.

Retained placenta causes and treatments

The placenta should shed on its own, but in some instances, nutritional deficiencies or a difficult calving can keep the placenta retained. In this case, producers should monitor the cow for infection and avoid manual and antibiotic treatments.

February 9, 2023

Heather Smith Thomas

Most cows shed the placenta within two to eight hours after calving, and when a cow has not shed the placenta for 24 hours or longer, it is considered retained.

3 tips to keep in mind this calving season

Make calving season more successful by ensuring adequate colostrum, preventing cold stress and having a calving kit at the ready.

January 16, 2023

Tony Hawkins

Calving season is an exciting time for us all as we gear up to welcome our newest calf crop into the world. Get some tips for making it a success.

Be prepared to assist during calving: Part 2

A veterinarian offers six best practices for safely pulling a calf.

January 9, 2023

Tony Hawkins

He only called when there was trouble, and just as I had guessed, he had a heifer trying to calve out at pasture, and “Things just aren’t good, doc.”

Veterinarians offer advice on resuscitating newborn calves

When faced with a weak or unresponsive calf, producers can clear airways using methods such as acupuncture or tickling the calf's nose to stimulate breathing. Artificial respiration, similar to CPR in humans, is another option.

January 4, 2023

Heather Smith Thomas

After a hard birth, some calves are dull or even unconscious from oxygen shortage and fail to start breathing. But there are things producers can do to help calves start breathing.

Be prepared to assist during calving: Part 1

When to intervene and how to identify and navigate common malpresentations

January 2, 2023

Tony Hawkins

You should never hesitate to contact your veterinarian if needed, but I am going to pass on some things I have learned to help you feel more comfortable with calving assistance.