CS-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 20 1993
Care At Calving
Pays Big Dividends
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
Spring calving season is here and
it’s one of the most rewarding
limes for cattlemen. A top calf
crop doesn’t just happen it’s
the result of long-term planning,
superior herd health care, and pro
ven breeding practices.
Dr. John Hough, director of
education and research for the
American Polled Hereford Asso
ciation, said by investing a little
extra time with your herd, you
may increase survival rates, calf
health, and ensure more efficient
growth potential.
During the last 30 to 45 days of
pregnancy, cows will generally
need a 10 to 15 percent increase in
the ration volume, if they’re being
fed. For example, this can be an
extra two pounds of hay in order
to furnish an additional pound of
total digestible nutrients (TDN).
The ration quality should be im
proved at the same time by slight
ly increasing the protein level. For
example, the extra two pounds of
hay may be legume or legume
grass mixture. You can also in
crease protein levels with blocks,
liquid supplements, range cubes,
or grazing small grain pastures for
a short while every four or five
days.
“Besides proper nutrition, a
good calving sue is important so
you can keep an eye on calving
heifers and cows,” Hough said. “
A small, clean, heavily-sodded
pasture will work fine. This allows
the cow to calve under natural
conditions, rather than being re
stricted to a stall, shed or pen.
Clean, portable calving sheds are
beneficial, especially in areas
where it may be difficult to check
on the cows daily. It is best to
avoid muddy lots and crowded en
closures.”
Cows will normally calve in a
one to three-hour period. If calv
ing occurs normally, the cow
should be left alone. If at all possi-
blc, it’s best to check the calf al
most as soon as it hits the ground.
If delivery has been normal, it’s
unlikely you will encounter any
problems.
“Make sure the calf is breathing
and the nostrils are cleared of fetal
membranes and mucus,” Hough
said. “If they arc obstructed,
quickly remove the material. If the
calf is not breathing, try blowing
into its nostrils and applying pres
sure to the chest ardas. Or, use a
straw to uckle inside the calf’s
nostrils to stimulate sneezing or
coughing.”
The calf should stand and nurse
within 30 to 45 minutes after birth.
If the calf is weak or chilled, rub it
briskly with dry cloth or burlap
bag to speed circulation.
Getting the colostrum, or first
milk, into the calf is very import
ant. The colostrum is highly con
centrated in nutrients and antibod
ies to help prevent calf diseases.
Dipping the navel cord into a
disinfectant solution can help pre
vent infection. Many types of dis
infectant are available through
veterinarians or animal health sup
pliers.
Once the calf is standing and
has been claimed by the cow, most
early calf loss problems arc elim
inated. After this point, most loss
es are due to scours. The risk of
scours can be lowered by keeping
the cow and calf in a clean en
vironment and making sure nutri
tional needs are met. Should
scours develop, standard treat
ment may help, but if you’re the
least unsure, contact a veterinar
ian.
Keeping the cow in top shape
after birth will help ensure rc
breedmg on schedule, generally
within 80-85 days.
“By providing good care to the
cow and calf, you’ll increase the
probability of profitable calving
and rebreeding seasons,” Hough
said.
x
V
. js. Knight Manufacturing Corporation is pleased to Introduce its
new Hay-Max Kit for the new 3000 Series Reel Auggie Mixers. This optional kit intro
duces our best way yet to incorporate long stem hay Into a TMR. It allows direct load
ing of bulk materials, provides thorough break-up of material, reduces mixing time,
and decreases surge pressure. The Hay-Max Kit Is currently available for all 3000
Series Knight Reel Auggie tow and truck models. Contact your Knight dealer for ad
ditional Information.
Mixers Have Hay-Max Kit
s
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