The time of day when females are fed can influence when they go into labor. Writing about elements of calving, Kacie McCarthy, PhD, said producers can shift their feeding time to between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., two to three weeks before calving and females will give birth more often during the daytime. She writes several studies have shown this can shift calving time to between … [Read more...]
Search Results for: calving
Four recommendations to address hypocalcemia post-calving
According to Jesse Goff, DVM, subclinical hypocalcemia occurs in nearly half of all cows during the first 24 hours after calving. He believes metabolic alkalosis is the cause in subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia. Goff discusses reducing potassium and binding dietary calcium precalving, as well as providing a readily available, soluble calcium source to the cow immediately … [Read more...]
Effect of calving difficulty on reproductive performance
Calving difficulty causes economic loss to operations. The loss can be immediate if the calf is lost and is extended to live calf health issues when births are challenging. Additionally, cows recovering from a tough calving can be predisposed to ovarian dysfunction and subsequent reduced fertility. Anestrous in mature cows naturally occurs after calving, and its length is … [Read more...]
Fall calving in hot weather challenges calves and cows
Heat stress is actually harder on young calves than cold stress. Newborn calves have an immature “thermostat,” writes Mark Z. Johnson. He shares best practices for fall calving taking place during high temperatures. The thermoneutral zone for a young calf is between 50 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit.” Source: Drovers, August 21, 2023. Link. Shade and fresh water is critical. In … [Read more...]
Tighten the calving window
To achieve more uniform calves, producers can use tighter calving windows to maximize the number of pregnancies early in the breeding season. Getting most of the cows and heifers bred early in the breeding period improves herd performance. Investing time and resources to tighten the calving window is beneficial, regardless of the size of operation or the breed of … [Read more...]
Data supports Grandad’s spring storm assertions on calving
The generational guidance from cow-calf producers has always been, “spring storms will make the cows calve.” Now a study of data from 2005 to 2009 in fall and spring calving cows indicates old cattle raisers were correct. Departing storm fronts are often followed by a trend toward more tranquil weather and increasing barometric pressure during the early spring, which may … [Read more...]
Calving season begins
Calving season brings promise and challenges to producers and the veterinary teams who support them. An early calf born in Missouri reminds us of the need to help producers get ready for late winter and spring calving. Here are several calving resources we’ve shared in AHD posts over the last seven years. Source: Search results for: calving, Animal Health Digest. Link. … [Read more...]
Potential effects of a long, hard drought on subsequent calving season
Karla H. Wilke shares how drought affects cow health and hardiness ahead of calving season. She covers body conditioning, vitamin and mineral depletion, energy stores, as well as the effects on colostrum and calves born from post drought cows. Drought can have far-reaching implications, more so than just reduced grazing capacity for cattle production. Source: Angus Beef … [Read more...]
Managing fall calving cows is different than spring calving cows, especially during drought
Managing nutrition for fall-calving cows is different than spring-calving herds throughout the production cycle. Fall forages regrow less hardily than spring forages, especially in drought and post-drought conditions. The author shares pros and cons of fall calving and tips for fall calving in drought-stricken areas. Source: Drovers, September 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Get ready for calving
If everything goes right, very little is needed to support cows as they calve. However, its’s rare to have every calf born without any intervention. Miranda Reiman shares what is needed in a calving toolbox and other preparations to help cattle producers be ready for everything that might happen. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, February 2002, page 6. Link. INSIGHTS: This is … [Read more...]
Defining when to help during calving’s three stages
Understanding the stages of birthing is critical to identify when or if we need to provide help during calving season. Producers and veterinary teams alike want to increase the likelihood a calf is born alive and off to a good start, writes Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension. With calving season just around the corner and labor challenges across the … [Read more...]
Prepare for calving time
Calving seasons is nearly here. David Rethorst, DVM with Production Animal Consultation, presents sound reasoning to prepare for the time and how sound animal stewardship makes the best use of resources, puts more quality beef on consumers’ tables and creates value for the industry. Source: Protein Producers, winter 2021-2022, pages 23 – 27. Link. The key for these changes … [Read more...]
Tips for feeding, calving during wet and muddy conditions
Spring is a busy time for farmers and ranchers. Simple preparations now can help mitigate problems ahead of potential excess water. We can’t change the weather, but cattle producers can try to manage around wet conditions by preparing alternative livestock and feeding areas. Olivia Amundson and Taylor Grussing share ways to mitigate mud and moisture during calving … [Read more...]
Watch for grass tetany and milk fever in spring calving herds
Lush green grass is a welcome sign of spring. Cows in otherwise good condition and health are sometimes found demonstrating unusual behaviors, unsteady gait or inability to rise. These are early signs of grass tetany and milk fever, says Paul Beck. He describes the magnesium and calcium shortages that bring about these diseases. They are hard to differentiate, and are difficult … [Read more...]
75 days to prep for calving
Say what?! It’s time to plan for calving season as the first of the 2021 crop will start dropping around March 1. Greg Henderson provides tips to help producers prepare: Assess the body condition of your cows and heifers Review the herd health plan Conduct an inspection of your calving facilities to make sure everything is in working order Check your calving … [Read more...]
Open-field calving box keeps newborns warm
Like its own miniature windbreak, this Canadian producer’s idea has merit for inclement weather conditions anywhere. It is an idea to consider sharing with cattle producers directly or by newsletters and social media posts. Source: Drover’s, March 30, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Calves are often born in the worst weather regardless of seasons. Something about those changes in … [Read more...]
Hard calvings mean a difficult start in life for newborns
Calves experiencing a traumatic birth have the deck stacked against them as they grow. Study results quantify the challenges and make the topic valuable to discuss with cow-calf producers in both dairy and beef operations. . . .calves with the most difficult births also were 1.3 times more likely to experience scours and 1.6 times more likely to suffer from respiratory … [Read more...]
Avoiding cost does not create value in calving date plans
As the cattle market approaches some expansion slowdown <link>, consider options for where and when calves are born. Despite the greatest total cost, June calving provided the lowest unit cost of production and greatest net profit per calf, thanks to greater weaning and carcass weights. Source: BEEF, January 23, 2019. Link. Calving dates and management systems are … [Read more...]
Change the feeding schedule of spring-calving cows now
December is the time to reset the feeding schedule to dusk hours for cows bred to spring calve, says Glenn Selk. Known as the Konefal method, adjusting the feeding schedule limits night-time calving when observation is more challenging and when temperatures usually lower. University studies have confirmed this method moves calving to daylight hours in as many as 85 percent of … [Read more...]
How to increase the proportion of early calving heifers and cows
Maximizing the proportion of cows that conceive early in the breeding season cannot be overemphasized in a beef herd. Artificial insemination (AI) is the most powerful tool cow-calf producers have to improve beef cattle genetics. However, producers have been slow to adopt the technology citing time and labor without any rewards for genetics and market timing. Markets are now … [Read more...]
Read the calving signs
Seventeen percent or more of cows need help to deliver a calf. Calving challenges affect the cow and calf’s health, production and fertility. Recognition of normal calving behaviors and the labor process is important for cow welfare and needs to be part of farm labor training. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2018. Link. Calving behavior research shows cows want a secluded … [Read more...]
Calving starts in fewer than 50 days
March 1 is often a target calving date. The third trimester is a critical time for beef cows who are not only growing a calf, but also trying to maintain their own condition, in spite of cold weather. Sandy Johnson shares insights into the critical third trimester. Source: Drovers, November 9, 2017. Producers need to take note of the start of the third trimester because … [Read more...]
Help cows and heifers during fall calving
Managing the amount of time heifers or cows are in labor before getting help is a challenge ranchers face during calving season. Glenn Selk offers some timing perspectives. Consider using this article in discussions with cow producers this fall. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, August 23, 2017. Research information shows that calves from prolonged deliveries are weaker and … [Read more...]
Get ready for calving season
Calving season is here. It’s stressful for producers, mamas and babies alike. Kevin Gould with the Michigan State University Extension Service, provides a good overview of supplies that are needed and a link to a handy calving fact sheet. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, February 20, 2017. To start, inventory supply needs to happen prior to the calving season and then the … [Read more...]
Be proactive about calving readiness
I saw the first new calves of the season in a field north of Kansas City this week. It was a reminder that 2017 calving is in full swing. Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist, writes about preparing a calving kit. It includes a video Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, January 16, 2017. Before calving season starts, do a “walk-through” of pens, chutes, and … [Read more...]
Take control of year-round calving in two years
Tightening calving seasons creates management and economic benefits. Done wrong, the benefits turn into costs. Les Anderson, University of Kentucky Extension beef specialist, says takes at least two years for producers to tighten a year-round calving season into a 75-day controlled calving season. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, September 2016. Anderson offers eight steps to … [Read more...]
Prepare now for next spring’s calving season
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University animal science professor and Extension reproduction specialist, offers sound advice for cow/calf producers and those who serve them. Veterinarians working with producers on VFD can include a calving season review as part of a management practices discussion. Retail associates, dealers, distributor and manufacturer reps might consider … [Read more...]
Three stages of calving (parturition)
This is a nice review of the stages of the calving process. A note in the third stage reminds some of what Grandpa always did may not be the best method for placental shedding. This article is a sound reference for veterinarians to review with their cow/calf clients, as well as clinic personnel. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, January 20, 2016. Animal scientists and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 9, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 2, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 2nd AHD Bulletin – Why vet bills are so high. Link. 7 cleaning tips about washing pet toys. Link. AHD’s archives offer a quick way to see posts by month, see what you missed. Archives for April 2024. … [Read more...]
Get cows bred earlier using estrus sync
The main constraints for producers considering adopting a synchronization protocol are labor, facilities and costs. Still, the main advantage of implementing synchronization technology is an added opportunity for more females to conceive in the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present benefits of estrus synchronization for beef cows in natural breeding … [Read more...]