HEALTH • HUSBANDRY • NUTRITION
PREPARATION IS KEY
The calving season is a very busy time period for on farm. Taking the time to plan is crucial for long term success of your calves.
PRE CALVING CHECK LIST 9 Calving pens – clean & disinfected. One roomy calving 9 9 9 9 9
pen (min 16.8m2) with good lighting per 10 cows Calving gate securely fitted Calving jack in good working order 2 sets of clean calving ropes Lubricant, arm length gloves, latex gloves Access to warm water, buckets, disinfectant
CALVING • • •
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for sick calf electrolytes), feeding bottle, iodine navel dip 9 Electrolytes, thermometer, calf jacket or infra-red lamp 9 Check calving cameras and calving sensors 9 A white board to record important cow and calf health information
Calving is a high risk time for both cow and calf. To minimise physical trauma as a result of a difficult calving, the following should be taken into consideration;
A clean calving environment plays an important role in reducing losses due to calf scour and navel ill. Supervise the cow when calving, intervene only if she is not progressing normally. If the calf is not born two hours after the water bag or calf’s hooves appear, examine the birth canal and calf with a gloved hand.
POST -CALVING
9 2 stomach tubes (one for colostrum feeding and one
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If you’re not sure you can get the calf out alive, call the vet early to avoid injuries to the calf and cow. Be careful not to pull the jack downwards too acutely before the calf’s chest comes out when assisting the calving, as this can cause fractured ribs.
A number of health issues in the days and weeks after calving can have a costly impact on productivity. Several immediate actions that can be taken to help alleviate and prevent health issues including;
Immediately after calving, cows must have access to clean drinking water and the lactating cow diet to maximise dry matter intake and energy input. Allow adequate feeding space to avoid competition between cows.
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Be vigilant with cows to identify and react to issues such as milk fever, retained placenta and Ketotis. Always consult your Vet before taking further action.