Late calving in a heifer’s first season is more than a timing issue – the consequences often extend beyond year one.

Newborn calves occasionally encounter challenges that undermine them in the early hours or days of life. Difficulties such as birthing stress, weakness or an inability to nurse effectively may leave them unable to consume the vital colostrum and nutrients they require.

The most rewarding time on a ranch is the time of new life – newborn calves hitting the ground. Calves have resiliency and spirit and often thrive even when born in the wrong circumstances or weather. Still, any beef producer will have the occasional calf who was stuck or had some other mishap that requires extra care.

In most cases, cows are quite capable of calving without intervention, delivering healthy calves naturally on pasture or in the barn. However, a small percentage of births present difficulties requiring human assistance.

Most calves are born as nature intended, but some are determined to enter the world facing the wrong direction. For these occasional events, it’s critical to understand the anatomical and timing challenges presented.

“Be prepared” is a motto to live by, especially during calving season. With that in mind, here are a few items that are essential to have on hand, plus some best-practice tips to consider.

Colostrum. Y’all know the story, or at least I thought I did. In the Southeast, calves are being born left and right, and out West, producers are gearing up for calving season. And while there are about 654,168,334 things to deal with in the middle of the calving season, colostrum could be one of the most important for the newborn calf.

Calving season is upon us, and being prepared can be the best strategy for a successful calving season and healthy calf crop. Gathering supplies and preparing facilities for the calving season is critical so that last-minute preparations are minimal.

Weak calf syndrome is exactly as it sounds; newborn calves are born weak, fail to thrive and often never get up to nurse. This is not a new phenomenon, and the industry has been combating it for decades.