Gearing
up for a
ranch purchase this winter? You might be interested in knowing a
few tips to help you ensure successful calving during the cold
season. Every good cowboy knows that calves need colostrum
immediately within their first few hours of life, but beyond that,
the tricks of the trade to make a calving season run more smoothly
can vary greatly. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Provide
shelter
Colder
environment can compound a young cow’s efforts to feed. Thus,
during inclement weather, windbreaks and bedding for the newborn
animals are essential. Providing a barrier between the freezing cold
and the body of a wet newborn calf can help ensure its survival.
Monitor
condition
Long-time
cattle operators emphasize the importance of monitoring the condition
of the females before calving. This needs to be done not only to
ensure adequate colostrum production, but also its ability to breed
in the future. Body condition scores of 5 ½ and above will pay
dividends when it comes to these two critical factors of cattle
raising.
Keep
calf pens clean
Sanitary
calving areas are essential for getting the newborn animals off to a
good start. Experts recommend dipping iodine on their navels to
prevent infection. You may also want to give them a shot of vitamin B
complex to boost their immune system.
