Make safety at calving a priority for 2024

Accidents relating to livestock on farms are not inevitable and can be prevented through careful planning and task organisation during the busy times of the farming year. Livestock-related incidents account for 25% of Irish farm accidents and 15% of farm mortality among older farmers.

Attacks by cows which have recently calved are a common cause of such accidents. It is the farmer's duty to see that the necessary infrastructure is in place for their own safety, the protection of other farm employees, and the comfort of their animals.

Risk assessment

Always carry out a risk assessment before entering a pen with a cow. This is most important when a cow is showing signs of calving, freshly calved or in the first few days after calving.

Gauge how safe or dangerous the situation is before you become a casualty. There is no room on any farm for animals with a bad temperament, especially after calving. Cows showing calving aggression should be culled. When looking at your breeding programme, it is important to prioritise docility within the herd.

Always have an escape route planned when entering a calving pen. Carry your phone at all times and keep it secure in your pocket, especially at night if you are checking the cows. Let a family member know that you are heading out, and how long you think you will be.

Calving facilities

Calving can be a very anxious time for both the farmer and the cow. There are a number of options listed below which have the potential to reduce stress and fatigue at calving time.

Calving camera

Calving cameras and other electronic devices are good investments on farms. They allow you to review the status of cows and calves from the comfort, and safety, of your home - or bed. With fatigue common during this time of year, technology can help you to get a good night’s sleep, thus preventing sluggish judgement and potential accidents.

Calving pen

The calving area should provide good space, be disinfected and well-bedded with clean dry straw, free of obstructions and have good lighting. The calving pen should be cleaned out after each calving to reduce the risk of disease.

Well-designed calving pens and gates minimise the direct physical contact between the cow/heifer and the farmer. It should provide the farmer with access to both sides of the animal. Calving jacks and mechanical lifting aids, such as a pulley system, in the calving pen can help to prevent back injury.

Young children

Young children love going to calving pens and want nothing more than to see the new arrivals. However, they should never be allowed in the calving shed since a cow that has just given birth may see them as a threat.

Never allow children to become involved with cows during or after calving. Keep them away from fields with bulls at all times. Dogs should also be excluded as they can very easily spook a cow.

Stay safe during calving

Ensure that you have sufficient calving pens available for your herd size and calving pattern. It is recommended that there be one calving box per 10 cows. This is where a cow and calf only remain in the pen for one to two days. If there is a tight calving pattern, you will need extra pen space.

A calving pen should be at least 3.6m x 4.0m in area. A farmer should ensure before the calving season starts that all doors and gates in the calving shed are secure and in good working order, and that oil is applied to gate handles where appropriate. If there are loose bolts or hinges on gates or doors, replace and repair them before the calving season starts, so you do not have to worry about doing so when time is limited.

Expect the unexpected and plan for emergencies, follow these tips:

• Keep your mobile phone in your pocket so you can call for help if needed;
• Someone should always know where you are and when you are expected to return;
• Keep a first aid box in your shed, with supplies of plasters, bandages and disinfectant to treat minor cuts and grazes;
• Keep feed reserves readily available in case temporary staff need to tend your cattle at short notice.

To view some tips about safety at calving, check out the video below featuring Aonghusa Fahy, who participates in the Future Beef programme:

TAMS 3 grants

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides grant aid under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) 3 for investments, including livestock handling equipment. The rate of grant aid available for farm safety eligible items is 60%. Grant-aided safety items include mobile handling equipment, fixed cattle handling units, cattle crushes, penning equipment, backing gates, head gates, and head scoops. For more information contact your local Teagasc advisor or click here.

This article first appeared in the Teagasc Health and Safety Newsletter for December 2023. Edited by Ciaran Kinahan, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, in association with John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists, a calving risk assessment checklist is also available. To access this risk assessment, click here.