Successful calving seasons are a direct result of detailed planning and hard work. Most producers in Alabama have spring or fall calving seasons, as the weather is better suited for young calves.
Dr. Soren Rodning, Alabama Cooperative Extension System veterinarian, said observation of cows and heifers before and during calving season is necessary to ensure the health and safety of cows, heifers and calves.
“Cows should be checked daily during the calving season, and heifers perhaps several times a day,” Rodning said. “Having the cows and heifers in an easily accessible pasture makes the task more manageable.”
Allowing animals to calve in clean pastures is better for the health of the calf and the cow or heifer.
Impending Parturition and Calving Complications
One of the complications encountered during calving season is dystocia—a difficult delivery. Often cows or heifers with dystocias require calving assistance. To determine when assistance is necessary, producers must be familiar with the signs of calving and the sequence of events associated with normal labor and delivery.IMG_0271
Cattle producers may notice a variety of signs indicating a coming delivery:
- Udder and vulva enlarge. This generally occurs one to three weeks before calving.
- Cows and heifers become nervous or restless. They may try to isolate themselves from the rest of the herd just before parturition.
- Cows and heifers show signs of abdominal discomfort by kicking at their bellies and/or glancing to the rear nervously.
- The tailhead appears raised as ligaments around the rump of the cow or heifer relax.
Calving Assistance
Assistance may be necessary when parturition does not proceed normally. Rodning said early intervention is the key to a successful outcome.
“Waiting too long to provide assistance unnecessarily risks the life of the cow or heifer and her calf,” he said. “Seek the help of a veterinarian or experienced cattle producer when needed.”
When trying to determine whether to provide assistance or call the veterinarian, there are some thoughts to keep in mind.
- Calving takes time. It often takes longer for heifers than for cows; be patient. Preparatory progress should be steady and generally fit within four to eight hours for cows and six to twelve hours for heifers. Once stage 2 (delivery of the calf) begins, progress should be visible every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use the “2+1 rule” to help determine when to call for help. Upon examination, 2 feet and 1 head (or 2 feet and 1 tail) should be felt or seen for a normal delivery to proceed. If adequate time has elapsed and neither is felt or seen, assistance is needed.
- If the cow or heifer becomes exhausted and quits trying to calve then assistance is necessary.
- No more than two strong people should pull on a calf at the same time.
Rodning said the outcome is always more favorable if assistance is provided sooner rather than later. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. If possible, catch the cow or heifer before the veterinarian arrives. This will make the vet’s job easier and help minimize expenses.
To learn more about how to better care for your beef cattle herd, check out Alabama Extension’s “Beef Basics” iBook. You can find the book here.
Based on proven tactics and seasoned with university research, the “Beef Basics” iBook is packed with information, tips and tricks for cattle producers of all shapes and sizes.