Preparation is partly qualifying a successful calf rearing.
To have patience and to provide for adequate rest around calving is of the utmost importance.
When the birth process goes too slowly or is taking too long, intervention should take place within 3 - 4 hours after the membranes have ruptured.
Calving place
- bring the cow in calf to the calving place long before the calving process commences
- the calving place should be clean and disinfected, with a fresh straw bed
- make sure there is sufficient space behind the cow as a provision for possible Caesarean section
- an illness pen may NEVER be used as a calving pen; the risk of infections for both cow and calf is much too high there
- create sufficient light
- daily feed the cow with a fresh start-up diet / ration
- a calf may not touch the floor in a calving pen
The cow will calve faster, if it is kept in contact with the rest of the group. If the calving place is fully separated and isolated, it is possible to place the cow several days before calving, so she can get accustomed to her new environment.
Hygiene
It not only is important to have a clean and hygienic stable. Also the cow’s hindquarters should be cleaned up and disinfected before calving.
This will prevent infection of the calf, but also of the uterus and white vulva excretion plus retention of the placenta. For the same reasons all equipment has to be disinfected as well.
Equipment to have at hand:
- disinfected pull ropes or chains
- lukewarm water with disinfectants
- soap and towel
- lubricant, e.g. salad oil (never use soap)
- a 10% dilution of tincture of iodine to disinfect the navel
A proper hygiene at calving will limit the risk of infections for both cow and calf.
After birth
Also after birth the utmost hygiene should be regarded for.
Cow
- Rinse off hindquarters and vagina of cow with cold water to reduce a possible swelling
- Leave the cow at ease for 5 to 10 minutes and then let her stand up. This way the uterus will get back at its place and jammed nerves and vessels will have space again.
- If the cow keeps on pushing, check if another calf is on its way (if not, the cow can stand up immediately). Afterbirth should come within 6 hours. If this does not happen, warn the veterinarian surgeon.
Calf
If respiration of the calf will not or badly start:
- Lift up the hind legs of the calf
- Lay down the calf with outstretched / straight head, flat on its stomach and paws folded on both sides of the body. If necessary, it is possible to help the breathing by moving the chest.
- Frighten the calf with some cold water on its head. But pay attention: too much cooling down is counterproductive with regard tot breathing!
- Try not to remove mucus / slime in the mouth with your hands (use a dry and clean cloth with abundant mucus)
- Firmly rub the calf dry with straw or by licking of the cow. This will stimulate breathing and blood circulation which will make the calf stand up sooner. Most calves will stand on their own feet after approx. 1 (1/2) hours after birth. Rubbing the calves dry will quicken the secretion of the first manure and urine. It also prevents strong cooling down.
- Navel disinfection can be done with tincture of iodine, but should never be poored in the navel itself.
- Provide 1,5 or 2 litres of colostrum by bucket or bottle with teat, right after birth. If a calf does not want to suckle at all, it is advised to provide colostrum with a tube (closely following the procedures for this).
- It is best tob ring the calf to a well cleaned and disinfected single pens or isolation pens with dry straw.
- Using a heating lamp will always work to speed up the drying of a calf and is recommended when calves are weak or sick.
|
