Checking Your Calving Supplies Now Will Prepare You For the Season Ahead. Here’s How to Do It Right

Once your heifers and cows have reached about six months gestation, it’s time to take stock of your calving supplies. Preparing for the season well ahead of your expected calving window will help you be equipped for any early babies, adverse weather, or difficult births.

Particularly during difficult or obstructed labor, called dystocia, being prepared to work quickly and safely will increase your odds of a better outcome.

Adapting to Your Calving Set Up

Each farm handles their calving season differently, but everyone can benefit from planning ahead. 

No matter where your herd calves, organizing your supplies in a handy spot is key. You want to be able to access them quickly when they’re needed. Staging your tools in a barn, truck, or side-by-side may be good options, depending on your herd’s location. Having a chute and gates staged and available in case of emergency can help your cattle and yourself stay safe during a stressful situation.

Your preparation should also be tailored to the season. If you calve in winter, be sure to account for freezing temperatures. You’ll need to factor in the mud if you’re caring for a spring calving herd. Consider extra hydration for the cow during the heat of summer and early fall.

When to Prepare Supplies

Take stock of your calving supplies a few months before you expect calves on the ground to ensure you have time to order any new or replacement items.

Once your cows show signs that calving is imminent, double check your supplies and make final preparations. Signs of calving can include udder development and the relaxation and swelling of the vulva, explains Nebraska Extension Specialist Rick Rasby.

Calving Season Essentials

Obstetrics (OB) Chains and Handles

No farmer or rancher wants to pull a calf, but when it becomes necessary, you’ll want OB chains and handles ready to go.

Veterinarian Kirk Ramsey of Neogen points out a quality chain and handle will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. This means cleaning and drying them after each use. “Old rusty chains are a biosecurity hazard and can be dangerous to use,” he said.

Calving Head Snare

“A head snare is a vital instrument for aiding in dystocia,” Ramsey said. “This instrument is used to keep the head engaged through the pelvis and prevents it from turning while force is applied to the legs. Always ensure proper use and that the snare is cinched into the mouth of the calf and not around the neck.”

Similar to chains, make sure your snare is cleaned and dried after use so it is ready to go next time you need it.

Calf Jack

A calf jack or calf puller can be a helpful tool during difficult calvings. When one becomes necessary, time is of the essence, so be sure it is stored in a location that can readily be accessed when caring for your calving herd. 

Ramsey notes a calf jack can apply over 2,000 pounds of force, so it’s important to know what you’re doing with it. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead reminds producers, “When in doubt, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. A timely call can make all the difference for your herd’s health and productivity.”

OB Lube 

“OB lube is an essential item to assist with difficult births or manual interventions such as repositioning or pulling a calf,” Ramsey explained. Lube helps reduce friction and ensures a gentler process during prolonged or complicated calvings.

Some products can be mixed with water to achieve the desired viscosity when using them as a delivery aid. Be sure to check direction labels and plan accordingly.

OB Sleeves

Shoulder-length OB gloves will help you stay cleaner and more comfortable as you assist your cows. Make sure you have the right sizes on hand for everyone on your operation who might need them.

Clean, Dry Towels

You can purchase affordable towels at the thrift store or may find some ready for retirement out of your own linen closet.

Ramsey calls clean, dry towels a “lifesaver” during calving. They can help you dry off a calf and stimulate breathing. Keep a couple extra nearby to clean tools and yourself after you’re done.

Stainless Steel Bucket

A stainless steel bucket has countless jobs on the farm, including during calving season. Fill the bucket with clean, warm water. This water supply is especially key if you’re calving in a pasture away from running water or in cold temperatures. Use it to keep your hands, arms, and instruments clean.

“This is an important measure of biosecurity for yourself, the dam, and her calf,” Ramsey said.

Colostrum Replacer

“Colostrum is the first milk that the calf gets from its mother that contains a lot of immunity to set it up for the first four to five months of life,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White. “As soon as the calf starts drinking, it has 12–24 hours to absorb the colostrum before its gut closes.”

Ramsey recommends the calf receives 10–12% of their body weight in colostrum within the first two to three hours of life. If a calf doesn’t get sufficient colostrum from its mother, a colostrum replacer should be used.

Several powdered colostrum replacement products are available in the marketplace. When stocking up for the season, ensure your supply is stored in a dry place free of moisture and pests.

Clean Bottles and Nipples

If you need to give colostrum or milk replacer, you’ll want to have clean bottles and nipples on hand. Inspect your inventory for cracks or other damage.

Both snap-on and screw-on nipples are widely available, so save yourself some headache now by making sure the right nipples are matched to the right bottles.

Esophageal Tube Feeder

In some cases, weak calves may need to be tube fed colostrum or fluids. Metal or semi-rigid plastic esophageal tube feeders are options from many livestock suppliers. 

Ramsey notes metal tube feeders may last longer, but the feeder’s inflexibility can damage the upper airways and esophagus if a calf is not restrained properly. Flexible tube feeders made of a semi-rigid plastic may reduce the risk of injury to the calf. Be sure these are clean and ready to go at all times.

Calf Blanket

In cold or wet conditions, a calf blanket is one tool that can help calves maintain their body temperature. Calves born in the winter have an especially high risk of hypothermia.

A number of retailers sell calf blankets ranging in size, material, and price. A variety of patterns are available online if you prefer to sew your own. With a sharp pair of scissors you can also repurpose winter wear from the thrift store into a calf jacket.

Heat Lamp or Livestock Warmer

A heat lamp or livestock warmer box helps newborn calves regulate their body temperature. This may be especially important to consider if your herd calves in cool, wet months.

When setting up a livestock warming station, be sure to remove any flammable materials from the area to reduce fire risk.

Tagging Supplies

Tagging practices vary from operation to operation. Make sure you have the right colored tags and numbers ready to go as calving season approaches.

Double check your tagging gun is in working order and your tag pens have plenty of ink.

Medications

Talk with your veterinarian to determine if you should have antibiotics or anti-inflammatories on hand.

Make sure any medications you stock are stored according to the label. This may include refrigeration.

Off-Season Storage Tips

Once calving season is over, it’s time to store your supplies again. Doing so gives you an opportunity to inspect your equipment, order any necessary replacements, and thoroughly disinfect.

A large plastic tote, or several, may be the easiest place to store your calving supplies. Find a container that is easy to clean; will keep dust, pests, and debris off your supplies; and is manageable to store in your shop or barn.

If your farm has shelving or cabinets, those may also be a suitable option.

Ensure fabrics like towels and calf jackets are kept secure from mice that may be seeking a warm home in the winter.

Medication and colostrum replacer should also be in a dry, pest-free area. Check labels to ensure you’re storing these items at the correct temperature.

While preparing your supplies might not be as exciting as welcoming new life on the farm, taking the time to get ready for calves’ arrival dramatically increases your odds of having a safe and productive season. Take time to get organized now to minimize stress during an already demanding season.