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Calving Season 101: Dr. Hanzlicek's Tips for Smooth Calving

Jan 22

3 min read

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A black calf enjoying a nice spring day after an uneventful birth.

The content of this blog is derived from my interview with Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek- Associate Director of the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, as well as veterinarian and professor at Kansas State University.

 

As calving season approaches, it's crucial for cattle producers to be well-prepared for potential challenges and ensure the health and well-being of their herd. Dr. Hanzlicek shared valuable advice on recognizing and assisting with calving problems, the importance of colostrum, and preventing common diseases in young calves.

Recognizing and Assisting with Calving Problems

Dr. Hanzlicek explains that when a cow enters stage two of labor, characterized by lying down and pushing, producers should start the stopwatch. This stage is crucial because it signals the actual process of expelling the calf. For cows, intervention is necessary if there is no progress within 30 minutes, and for heifers, within an hour. This timeline helps determine when to step in and assist. Monitoring the timing closely ensures that both the cow and calf have the best chance of a successful birth.

Chains Vs. Straps for Pulling

While Dr. Hanzlicek says that either chains or straps are fine, it's important to use chains or straps correctly to avoid injury. Straps are easier on the calf, and should be placed above the dew claws with one on each side. Chains should be placed above the fetlock with a half hitch above the coronary band to prevent leg fractures. Make sure that when using chains, you are pulling from two different points on the leg. Proper positioning of these tools minimizes the risk of causing major tissue damage or breaking the calf's legs.

Identifying and Managing Backwards Calves

Recognizing a backwards calf is essential for timely intervention. If the bottom of the calf's foot is pointing upwards, it's likely a backwards calf. These calves require prompt assistance as their umbilical cord will be pinched off in the pelvis, leading to potential respiratory issues. While speed is important, there's no need to rush excessively. The critical aspect is to be expedient without causing additional stress to the cow or calf. Hanging the calf upside down after birth does not remove fluid from the lungs; the fluid expelled in such cases comes from the abomasum.

Knowing When to Call the Vet

If a calf isn't presenting normally with two front legs and the nose, it's time to call a veterinarian. Prolonged extraction attempts exceeding 15 minutes also warrant veterinary assistance. It's crucial to recognize when professional help is needed to ensure the safety and health of both the cow and the calf.

Importance of Colostrum

Newborn calves need to nurse within six hours (ideally within two hours) to receive the best quality colostrum, which provides essential antibodies. Colostrum is vital because it is the only source of antibodies that newborn calves can absorb. Calves born from difficult births may require commercial colostrum replacers. It's important to choose colostrum-based replacers over plasma-based ones for better absorption of antibodies. Supplements should be avoided as they do not contain enough antibodies to protect the calf.

Best Practices for Castration

While this topic is controversial, Dr. Hanzlicek recommends castrating at birth via banding to minimize stress for the calf. Early castration is beneficial for both the calf and the producer as it reduces stress and potential complications.

Preventing Disease in Young Calves

Preventing scours, a common disease in young calves, involves ensuring they consume adequate colostrum and maintaining a clean environment. Clean calving areas help reduce exposure to scour-causing organisms. Producers should focus on both colostrum management and environmental sanitation. Continually cleaning out the calving area helps keep the ground as free of pathogens as possible, reducing the risk of infection.

 

Listen to the full interview here: https://youtu.be/L5SB64fK7VA

 

Jan 22

3 min read

0

12

0

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