The Calm before the Storm on many Suckler Farms

As we move through this month calving will be edging ever closer on many suckler farms so a little planning can go a long way to ensure things run smoother once calving begins.

Starting with the cows. How are things looking? Are they in the correct body condition?  Have you got due dates from AI or scanning results?

Having cows fit and not fat at calving will certainly reduce your incidence of calving difficulty. But will restricting cows pre calving help reduce the birth weight of calves?

Several experiments in Teagasc Grange have looked at this, where the actual quantity of feed offered was reduced or the quality reduced. A summary table of one experiment is listed below where two different silage qualities were offered to young cows pre calving.

 The results all point to a similar outcome;

• Low levels of feeding during the last one-third of pregnancy will NOT result in predictable effects on calf birth weight or calving difficulty
• Suckler cows will use their reserves to buffer the nutrient supply to the calf 

So be careful not to over restrict cows pre calving. Allowing cows to get too thin will only serve to delay the cows ability to resume breeding after calving. Continue to monitor cow condition. Older cows, cows carrying twins or lame cows could lose condition quickly as calving approaches. Cows that are overfat can be restricted to 80% of their normal intake but avoid severely restriction in the last 6 weeks pre calving. 

Have you been feeding a good pre- calving mineral?

In the 6 weeks prior to calving it is worth giving cows a good pre calver mineral. In a pre calver levels of Calcium 0-2%, Sodium 15 – 25% , Phosphorous 1- 3% , and Magnesium  15-20%. Trace elements of Se, Co, Zn, Mn, I and Cu will all be included at various levels in mg/kg. Vitamins A,D3,E and B12 should also be included. Research suggests that the main benefit of the pre calver mineral will be on calf vigour and viability.

Should cows be vaccinated?

If you have had trouble in previous years with calf scour have you been able to identify what was the causal agent. Can it be vaccinated against? Cryptosporidium being one where there is currently no vaccine available.  But E.coli, Coronavirus and Rotavirus can. Consult with your vet if in doubt.

Has the calving area been thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected. Are you getting colostrum into every calf as quickly as possible after calving. Have you adequate straw to ensure calves are well bedded.  Can you make sure that calving sheds/calf creep areas are well ventilated but draught free? Remember young calves cannot handle draughts and don’t like sparse or wet bedding.

Calving Equipment

A few years ago Teagasc produced the checklist below which suggests a list of items that you will find useful to have on hand at calving time. A quick check of the calving jack to make sure it is not slipping or ceased. Have you a spare set of the calving ropes? Have you a way of lifting a cow that might go down either during or after calving?

 If you dip the calf navels after birth have you adequate iodine/chlorohexidine available? Is there a good stomach tube/feeding bottle available to get colostrum into calves that may be weak after birth?

Calving Checklist

Cows are Replaceable – You are Not!

Calving is no doubt a very busy period but also a dangerous one as cow temperament often changes around calving. I have had two friends in recent years badly injured by freshly calved cows. What was really frightening was that both are excellent stock people and thought they knew their cows. Thankfully they have now recovered and both offending cows were given a one way ticket.

So is the calving gate/crush secure enough to be able to hold cows for calving? Always carry your mobile phone in case you need to call for help. If in doubt never enter a pen where a cow shows any signs of nervousness/aggression. Remember around calving even the quiet cow can turn on you so please be extra careful this Spring and good luck with calving.