Here are a few things cow-calf producers are doing to improve the chances of calves surviving at birth. It is important to plan ahead.
Check with your vet on a herd health program, including vaccinations for the cow and calf. Scours, white muscle, and vitamins are of particular concern.
Ask about vaccinations for BVD, IBR, etc. and the clostridials. Abnormalities such as cows aborting should be checked out.
Remember to inject in the neck to avoid future carcass damage. Use subcutaneous injections when allowed by the label.
Check cow condition. Thin cows and heifers should be fed separately from those with more flesh. Heifers are still growing as well as producing a calf.
Have hay analyzed. On most farms, a salt and high phosphorous mineral mixture is recommended for the cow herd.
Supplementation with a protein source may be necessary. Ration formulations can be done by OMAFRA.
Feed the better quality hay to thin cows, and heifers and all cows after calving.
Cows in calf need exercise to keep muscles toned for calving. Walking to feed or water provides exercise. And keep the calving area dry. Avoid areas that have puddles after a rain or thaw. A well-drained area works well.
If scours were a problem last year, calve in a different area. The “bugs” may still be present.
The more space, the better for the cows and calves. This management practice has the highest pay back. Manure from sick calves will spread bacteria and viruses.
Providing space prevents a build-up in a small area, and there is less contact between animals. Ample space in a well-drained area works best.
Cows with calves should be kept separate from pregnant cows. Three areas work best. One for pregnant cows, a calving area, and a third for cows and calves.
Splitting up large herds will help control a breakout of scours. It is easier to contain the problem in a small group (25-30 cows and calves is enough for one group).
Heifers calving for the first time should be watched closely. Calving problems are greater with heifers, which often carry fewer antibodies than older cows and have less protection to pass on to the calf.
Have equipment, injections, identification tags, etc. handy to calving area.
Don’t forget the colostrum. It provides important antibodies for the calf and should be provided as soon after birth as possible.
Dates to remember
Feb. 14–Cattle Breeders’ annual meeting, 7:30 p.m., Emo Curling Club.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
