A birth on any farm brings immense joy to not only the owner, but the staffs as well. Often, the calf is treated with great royalty. We do the same on our ranch. Even if it is ordinary for the cows to give birth, somehow, each new birth brings a breathe of fresh air to all. Smiles parade faces to all. Below, we share how one can get prepared for the birth of a calf.

How long does it take for a cow to have a normal delivery? A cow is pregnant for around nine months (or 279 to 292 days). The gestation length varies depending on several factors, such as the breed of the cow and the sex of the calf.

If you are using artificial insemination, take not of the day the activity is done. That way, you will be able to count the period properly.

How do yo know a cow is in labour? Once kick-off starts, heavy laboured breathing and contractions which you can see from looking at the cows abdomen, are obvious signs of labour.

Prepare early: Be sure to check all facilities and equipment that will be used during calving. Calving stalls should be clean and dry. Bedding should be changed after every calving to prevent the spread of diseases. A warmer environment should also be prepared just in case you have chilled calves.

What do you give a cow before calving: Ensure that you are feeding a recommended pre-calving mineral high in magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and iodine for at least six weeks pre calving. This will ensure that the cow will calve easier and have a more vigorous calf. Talk to your vet about any specific deficiencies on your farm.

Ensure that all your cows’ vaccinations are up to date and given within the correct time period so that adequate antibodies are in the colostrum. Control liver fluke in cows where necessary. Check your calving sheds and equipment, i.e., calving cameras are working, you have a working calving jack, the calving pen and gates are working and greased, etc. Clean and lime slats – this will help to keep cows clean. Dirty cows will lead to scours and joint ill in calves. Lime and disinfect calving pens and ensure that they are well bedded with clean, dry straw. Clean and disinfect pens between each use.

Write a shopping list and get all your supplies well in advance of the start of calving, e.g., gloves, spare calving ropes, stomach tube, Milton, lubricant, iodine, etc.

Have fresh frozen colostrum on farm. If possible, take some colostrum from the first couple of calved cows and freeze it. This colostrum will have antibodies from earlier vaccinations and other diseases present on your farm. Be careful of getting colostrum from other farms as it may not contain the same antibodies for the diseases on your farm. Be sure to feed enough colostrum to calves, at least three litres in the first two hours of birth if possible, but definitely within the first six hours of birth, to ensure good immunity levels in your calves.

Think safety. Ensure that pens and gates are working properly, have good lighting in your sheds, always have an escape route, carry your phone in an accessible pocket.

What happens right before the cow gives birth: The immediate signs that usually occur within 24 hours of calving would be relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and strutting of the teats. These can be fairly dependable for the owner that watches his cows several times a day during the calving season.

What do do immediately the cow gives birth: Give the cow clean water to drink immediately after she has calved as she will be thirsty. The water bag (afterbirth) will come out naturally but you can help to remove it by gently pulling it. The afterbirth should have come away by 24 hours after the birth.

How long after giving birth does a cow come in heat? High milk-producing breeds and strains of cattle take longer to start cycling again after calving than lower milk producers. Mature cows usually take about 60 days to come on heat again after calving; young cows may take 90 days or more.

Next month we shall talk about basic calving assistance guidelines …