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Be properly prepared to prevent poor performance at calving

As spring approaches, so does the calving period on many farms.

Putting in the effort now to plan for it, such as preparing all the essentials, will unquestionably make the job easier and more successful.

As it is one of the busiest seasons for farmers therefore having a plan that works for everyone will minimise stress and create better outcomes for both the farm team and animals.

It is also helpful to reflect on last year’s calving season, what went right and what didn’t, and introducing any improvements based on that.

Pre-calving preparation-Dry cow nutrition and management

· Create an up-to-date calving list of due dates and understand the nutritional needs of each dry cow at different points, whether she is expected to calve at the start of the block or the end

· Dry cows off at least eight weeks before due calving date to ensure colostrum has adequate time to form; choose a dry cow therapy that suits the needs of each animal

· To keep teats and udders as clean as possible and to prevent mastitis, provide clean lying areas

· In the last two months before calving, offer the correct feed balanced with adequate protein and energy alongside the correct minerals and vitamins to promote cow and calf health and performance

· Cows must be comfortable in those final weeks so consider stocking density at the feed trough and lying areas

· Liaise with the farm vet on what vaccines are required and the best time to administer these as timing is key to how effective they are

· Avoid putting cows under any undue stress

Equipment and environment

· Calving facilities should be clean and disinfected, and have had a rest period since their last use to ensure that all bugs have been eliminated

· Ensure that all gates and water troughs are in full working order and that troughs have no leaks

· Check that calving cameras and other technology are working correctly

· Purchase bedding material such as straw

· Assemble the calving kit

· Stock up on veterinary supplies

· Set up designated clean calf pens and bed with fresh material

· Clean and disinfect all calf feeding equipment such as tube feeders, bottles, buckets and teats and have them ready to use

· Purchase milk replacer and calf starter feed

· Have a stock of frozen colostrum or purchase a powdered product

· Be prepared for adverse weather conditions by having portable windbreaks and extra shelter available if needed

Post-calving protocols

· Establish a routine protocol that will ideally see calves receive 10% of their bodyweight in colostrum within the first two hours of birth as this gives the best transfer of immunity from dam to calf

· Test colostrum quality with a quick and easy Brix refractometer test

· Once the calf has been cleaned by the cow, remove it as soon as possible from calving area and place in a dedicated clean pen

· Have a feed plan and stick to it

· Create an information board detailing the calf feed plan and any instructions, which is especially useful if there is more than one person feeding the calves

· Record all feeding information to keep track of what every calf consumes while understanding the Johne’s and mycoplasma status of the dam

· Plan how many days the newborn calf will receive its own mother’s milk or pooled milk

· Transition milk or transition milk replacer is a stage of feeding that should not be missed post-colostrum feeding in those important first few weeks of life

· Wash and disinfect calf feeding equipment daily to prevent a build-up of bugs

· Provide new bedding daily to keep calves dry and comfortable

· To encourage early intakes, ensure water troughs are always clean and that starter meal is fresh

· Always feed baby calves first to avoid spreading disease from older animals

· Have a strict biosecurity plan to avoid spreading disease with measures such as insisting that boots are washed and disinfected prior to people entering calf accommodation

· Always wear clean clothes and gloves when working with young calves as their immunity is very compromised

· Liaise with the farm vet on vaccinations specific to the needs of the herd and plan accordingly

· Avoid any unnecessary stress as calves thrive on consistency, they are unable to cope with too many changes at once

· Ensure calves are warm by adding jackets, extra bedding, heat lamps and low roof shelters if needed, especially during the first month of life when their lower critical temperature is 10-15°C

· Create a designated pen where sick calves can be isolated if needed

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