Prepping for Calving Season

Prime Tips

As beef cattle producers calving season is one of the most anticipated times of the year but can also be one of the most stressful times burdened by cold, late nights checking cows. Although many of our seedstock operators have been through the rush of their calving season many of Wisconsin’s commercial cattleman are just getting prepared. Now is the time to make sure your team and facilities are adequately prepared to ensure a smooth calving season. 

Below is a simple check list of things to consider 30 days prior to calving: 

• Check visual ID and cross reference calving dates to ensure timely moves to designated calving area 
• Check Supply inventory
  •     Iodine spray/ dip for navals 
  •     Ear tags for calves 
  •     Post natal treatments – pastes or boluses
  • Hanging scale (if calves need to be weighed) 
  •     Clean calf bottle and/or tube feeder 
  •     Land O Lakes Colostrum replacer 
  •     Land O Lakes Electrolytes 
  •     AI sleeves and lubricant in case of needed assistance 
  •     OB Chains and calf jack 
  •     Supplies for cold weather calving – warming box, calf jacket
  •     Veterinarian contact information 

Lastly you want to ensure whether calving indoors or out that the designated calving area is clean, dry, and bedded ready to go no later than two weeks prior to the first expected calves as heifers may tend to calve as early as 14 days prior to expected calving date. Preparedness prior to calving season can be the difference between good and bad outcomes. We want to ensure you have the tools to be successful and we wish you all a happy, healthy 2021 calving season. 

Sign up for our bi-monthly beef newsletter below!

Chris Blank, M.S.

Nutrition Consultant