Selection emphasis on calving ease and birthweight has helped minimize labor inputs during calving season. Unfortunately, some ranchers have also experienced reduced vigor and health from smaller calves. In the West, with cold weather and low-quality forage conditions, calf loss remains a huge challenge on many ranches.
Good management practices after calving can significantly reduce death loss. Since maintaining healthy calves is so critical to our bottom line, here are a couple of considerations to help set us up for success.
1. Consider period immediately following birth critical: Several things need to be accomplished in the first day to guarantee survival. Stimulate respiration if calf is not breathing right away.
Clear fluids by pressing fingers in calf’s mouth and removing from airway. Use a piece of hay as a nostril probe to stimulate a reaction. Do not hang calf upside-down by back legs. A newborn calf can lose heat rapidly. Measure rectal temperature of calves at birth (99.8 to 102.5ºF normal).
If cow does not clean excess fluids off calf, help maintain body temperature by manually drying and warming via heater or hot water. Make sure calves nurse within first 12 hours after birth. Use esophageal tube feeder to administer supplemental colostrum (0.5 to 1 gallon).
Continue evaluating calf vigor and suckling activity one or more times each day. A numerical scoring system could be used to track progress (i.e., 1 = severely weak/not aggressive; 2 = weak/passive; 3 = thrifty/aggressive).
2. Consider providing cows with right nutrition: Cows in proper body condition with an adequate supply of high-quality feed help to ensure enough milk is being produced for the calf. Nutritional requirements change dramatically after calving. Separate cows yet to calve from pairs.
Feed higher-quality hay to pairs. Cow energy and protein requirements increase 10 and 30 percent, respectively, after calving. Consider supplementing with alfalfa or other high-quality feedstuffs, since a cow is not likely to consume required amounts of a lower-quality grass hay.
3. Consider other good health management practices: Calving areas should be dry, clean and provide shelter or wind break to mitigate cold stress. Avoid calving on the same pasture where cows wintered.
Move new pairs to a separate pasture after calving or move pregnant cows every couple of weeks, leaving new pairs behind. The goal of maximizing post-calving success is the common link among each consideration. Overcoming the challenges associated with calving requires increased attention to detail. However, live, healthy calves lead to increased productivity and profitability.
