Calving in Cows: Complete Guide to a Successful Birth & Newborn Care

Calving season is one of the most rewarding times on the farm, filled with the promise of new life and the future of your herd. But to ensure every calf gets the best start, a little preparation goes a long way.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know for a successful calving season. From spotting the early signs of labor to handling challenges like dystocia, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share practical tips for feeding and caring for your newborn calf, including the proper use of milk replacers and the critical role of vaccinations.

Creating Your Calving Toolkit

One of the most important steps in your preparation for calving season is assembling a well-stocked toolkit. This will equip you to handle any challenges that might arise during calving.

Here are some key items you should include:

• Calving Chains and Handles: For assisting with difficult deliveries.

• Obstetric Lubricant: To make manual assistance easier and less stressful for the cow.

• Gloves: Long, disposable gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.

• Tube Feeder: For feeding colostrum or milk replacer to weak or sick calves that are unable to nurse.

• Heat Lamp or Blankets: To warm cold, hypothermic calves.

• Disinfectants: For cleaning the navel and any equipment used during calving.

• Colostrum Supplement: In case the cow’s milk supply is insufficient or if the calf needs immediate immunity support.

• Oral drenches:

  • Start Strong for Calves – a quick energy boost to help weak calves stand and nurse, especially critical in the first 12-24 hours after birth.

  • Rapid Strike - aids in improving gut health and restoring regular eating and drinking patterns following scours.

Having these tools on hand will help you be better prepared for any calving situation, ensuring the health and safety of both the cow and the calf.

Signs a Cow is About to Give Birth

With your calving toolkit ready, the next step is knowing when to put it to use.

Cows typically give birth within 24 hours of showing specific signs of labor, so it’s important to be observant and do daily checks on your herd as the calving season approaches.

Pre-Calving Signs One of the earliest signs that calving is near is udder development. The cow’s udder will swell and fill with milk in the days leading up to delivery. Another sign is swelling of the vulva, which may also produce a clear, mucus-like discharge.

As calving gets closer, you might notice the cow becoming restless, frequently lying down and getting up or pacing around. Many cows will also seek out a quiet, secluded spot to give birth, isolating themselves from the rest of the herd.

Active Labor Active labor begins when the water bag, a fluid-filled sac, appears. This is usually followed by the presentation of the calf’s feet and head. The cow will begin to strain as she pushes the calf through the birth canal.

If everything is progressing normally, the calf should be delivered within 30 minutes to an hour after active labor begins.

In total, the calf should be born within 2 to 5 hours of the water bag’s appearance. Healthy heifers with a normal calf presentation often calve more quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the process to ensure you can intervene if necessary.

Understanding Dystocia in Cows

Dystocia, or difficult labor, is a common concern during calving. It can occur for various reasons, including the size of the calf, its position during delivery or the physical condition of the cow. Recognizing and managing dystocia effectively is crucial to ensure the well-being of both the cow and the calf.

Causes of Dystocia Fetal oversize is a common cause of dystocia, occurring when the calf is too large to easily pass through the birth canal. This can result from a significant size difference between the bull and dam, genetic factors, excessive nutrition during pregnancy leading to increased calf growth or a small pelvic size in the dam.

Improper fetal positioning is another cause of dystocia. Ideally, the calf should be positioned head-first with front legs extended. However, if the calf is breech (tail-first) or has a misplaced limb, it can create significant challenges during delivery, often requiring intervention to reposition the calf.

Uterine inertia, where the cow’s uterus doesn’t contract strongly enough to push the calf out, is also a cause. This can stem from exhaustion, low calcium levels or other health issues.

Recognizing Dystocia Dystocia is typically indicated by prolonged labor. If a cow has been straining for more than an hour without progress, it’s time to intervene. Signs of dystocia can also include restlessness, frequent lying down and getting up or isolation from the herd. Quick action is essential to avoid complications like stillbirth or injury to the cow.

Considering Birth Weight and EPDs

Since birth weight is highly heritable, it’s important to consider expected progeny differences (EPDs) in bulls, especially when breeding heifers. EPDs are valuable tools in predicting the genetic potential of a bull’s offspring, including traits like birth weight which can impact calving ease.

To get an EPD done, you’ll typically need to work with a breed association or a genetic evaluation service. These organizations collect and analyze data from various sources, including birth weights, weaning weights and other performance metrics from a large population of cattle. The results are then compiled to calculate the EPDs for individual bulls. When selecting a bull, looking at EPDs can help you make informed breeding decisions to reduce the risk of calving difficulties, particularly in heifers.

What to Do if a Calf Won’t Stand and Nurse?

A calf that won’t stand and nurse is a serious cause for concern, as colostrum intake within the first 2-4 hours of life is critical for survival.

Calves need about two quarts of colostrum (or at least five percent of the calf’s body weight) within four hours of birth – ideally within 30 minutes – and one gallon within 12 hours.

Timing is important because in the first 24 hours a calf’s digestive tract allows antibodies to pass directly into the bloodstream. However, this window closes by the end of the first day.

Assessing the Situation If a calf won’t stand, start by checking for any signs of physical injury that might be preventing it from standing, such as a broken leg or spinal injury. If the calf is cold, it may be too weak to stand. In this case, use warm blankets or a heat lamp to bring the calf’s temperature back to normal - around 101.5 - 102.5°F.

A lethargic calf may simply lack the energy to stand, so tube feeding colostrum (more on this below) or giving a calf an oral supplement like Start Strong for Calves can provide the necessary energy calves need to stand and nurse.

When dealing with a newborn calf that is weak, there are several steps you can take to support its recovery.

Here’s four easy steps to get a weak calf to stand:

1. Gently lift the calf to its feet, supporting its weight until it can stand on its own.

2. Once the calf is standing, guide its mouth to the cow’s teat and squeeze a few drops of milk into its mouth to stimulate its suckling reflex.

3. Consider administering Start Strong for Calves to provide an energy boost.

   1. Give the first dose within 12 hours of birth.

   2. Administer a second dose in 24 hours if needed.

4. Monitor the calf closely. If it still refuses to nurse, intervene with tube feeding to ensure it receives the necessary colostrum.

   
   

How to Tube Feed a Calf

To ensure your calf receives the vital nutrients it needs when traditional nursing isn’t an option, tube feeding becomes an essential skill. Here are some simple steps to guide you through the process of tube feeding a calf.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tube Feed a Calf

1. Prepare the Feeder:

• Use an esophageal feeder which includes a flexible tube and a container for holding milk or colostrum.

• Fill the container with the appropriate amount of warm colostrum or milk at body temperature (again, around 102°F).

  
  

2. Position the Calf:

• Restrain the calf by standing it upright or holding it between your legs.

• Keep the calf’s head in a neutral position.

  
  

3. Insert the Tube:

• Gently insert the tube into the calf’s mouth and guide it down the esophagus.

• Feel for some resistance as the tube passes over the base of the tongue.

• Ensure the tube is in the esophagus and not the windpipe by feeling for two rigid structures in the neck (esophagus and trachea). If you feel only one structure, the tube is likely in the correct position. You can also check to make sure there is no air moving through the tube as the calf breaths.
  

4. Administer the Feed:

• Slowly pour the colostrum or milk into the container, allowing it to flow down the tube and into the calf’s stomach.

• Do not rush the process to avoid discomfort or the risk of aspiration (inhale milk into the lungs).

5. Withdraw the Tube:

• Carefully withdraw the tube in a smooth motion once feeding is complete.

• Hold the calf upright for a few minutes to prevent regurgitation.

Milk Replacer for Calves

Milk replacer is a valuable tool for feeding calves when natural suckling isn’t an option, either due to the cow’s death, inadequate milk production or a calf’s inability to nurse. Choosing the right milk replacer and preparing it properly is crucial for a calf’s growth and health.

Choosing the Right Milk Replacer When selecting a milk replacer for your calf, consider the following factors to ensure proper growth and development:

• Protein Content: Choose a milk replacer with a protein content of at least 20-24% to support the calf’s growth in the early stages of life.

• Fat Content: Opt for a fat content of 15-20% which provides the energy needed to maintain body temperature and support growth.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Select a milk replacer containing easily digestible ingredients like milk proteins (whey, casein) rather than plant-based proteins which can be harder for young calves to digest.

• Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the milk replacer is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, and E, and trace minerals like zinc, copper and selenium, which are vital for immune function and overall health.

• Medicated Options: Some milk replacers include additives like antibiotics to prevent or treat conditions like scours. Use medicated milk replacers under the guidance of a veterinarian to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

How to Bottle Feed Calves

Proper bottle feeding is crucial to ensure a calf receives the nutrition it needs to grow healthy and strong. The process is similar to feeding a newborn human baby, requiring patience and careful attention to the calf’s needs.

Before you start, gather the necessary supplies - a bottle specifically designed for calf feeding and a high-quality milk replacer. The bottle should have a nipple that mimics the natural nursing process, making it easier for the calf to suckle effectively.

Feed the calf slowly even if it’s frustrating at first. If the calf is hesitant, gently massage its throat to help stimulate the suckling reflex. The key is to let the calf go at its own pace, ensuring it doesn’t aspirate which can lead to serious complications.

Feeding Frequency and Amount:

For newborn calves, bottle feeding is typically done every 2-4 hours, with each feeding providing about 2-3 quarts of milk replacer. As the calf grows, the frequency of feedings can be reduced to 2-3 times per day, with the amount of milk replacer adjusted according to the calf’s appetite and growth.

Around 3-4 weeks of age, begin introducing small amounts of calf starter grain alongside bottle feedings. Continue bottle feeding while gradually increasing the amount of solid food until the calf is fully weaned, usually by 6-8 weeks of age.

While bottle feeding, monitor the calf’s health. A healthy calf should be active, alert and steadily gaining weight. If you notice signs of scours, lethargy or a decrease in appetite, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

For scours, we recommend an oral drench like Rapid Strike. This drench that reduces pathogen load, enhances gut health and promotes a quick return to normal eating and drinking after digestive stress with scours.

Calf Vaccines: Protecting Your Herd’s Future

Lastly, vaccinating is another critical step in protecting calves from common diseases that can severely impact their health and growth. A proper vaccination program helps ensure that your calves grow into healthy, productive cattle.

Key Calf Vaccinations & Timing Calves should receive their vaccinations at various stages in the first few months of life, as recommended by your veterinarian. While the exact timing of vaccines may vary depending on the specific vaccine and your herd management practices, here’s a general guideline:

At Birth:

• Scours Vaccines: If scours are a known issue, calves may receive oral vaccines at birth to protect against pathogens like E. coli, rotavirus and coronavirus.

• Vitamin E/selenium supplements: In regions where deficiency is common, administering a vitamin E/selenium shot at birth can help prevent white muscle disease.
  

2-3 Months of Age:

• Clostridial Vaccines: Also known as "7-way" or "8-way" vaccines, these protect against clostridial diseases like blackleg, tetanus and others.

• Respiratory Vaccines: Initial doses of vaccines for respiratory diseases like infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), parainfluenza-3 (PI3) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) can be given.

Weaning (4-6 Months of Age):

• Booster Shots: Administer booster doses for clostridial and respiratory vaccines to ensure continued protection as calves experience stress from weaning.

• Leptospirosis and Vibrio Vaccines: If these diseases are a concern in your area, this is the time to vaccinate against them, particularly for replacement heifers.

Pre-Breeding (6-8 Months of Age):

• Reproductive Vaccines: Before heifers are bred, they may receive vaccines against reproductive diseases such as leptospirosis, vibriosis and campylobacteriosis.

• Additional Respiratory Vaccines: A second booster for respiratory vaccines may be recommended to provide long-lasting immunity.

Post-Weaning (8-12 Months of Age):

• Booster Vaccinations: Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations, additional booster vaccinations for respiratory or clostridial diseases may be necessary to ensure ongoing protection.

Need Help with Your Calving Plan?

For any questions on preparing for calving or additional advice on herd management, schedule a free consultation with a ruminant specialist today. Call 507-337-6916 or email RuminantHelp@RalcoAgriculture.com to get started.

Start Strong for Calves - Maximize Colostrum Intake

Start Strong for Calves is a natural oral drench that supports appetite, digestive health and provides newborns with the energy they require.

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Rapid Strike - When Digestive Challenges Threaten

Rapid Strike is a natural oral drench that reduces pathogen load, enhances gut health and promotes a quick return to normal eating and drinking after digestive stress with scours.

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