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Calving season checklist

Calving is where a year of work pays off. Get organized before the first calf hits the ground.

Education only. This checklist helps you get organized. It is not a substitute for your veterinarian, who should decide what to do about any specific cow or calf.

Before the first calf

• Calving area is clean, dry, well-drained and easy to check on at night
• Working pens, gates and chute inspected and in good repair
• Your vet’s phone number, and an after-hours number, written down where everyone can see it
• Flashlight and spare batteries, charged phone, and a way to see your cows after dark
• Ear tags, tagger, record book or app for calving dates and notes
• Colostrum plan: ask your vet what to keep on hand and how to use it
• Supply list reviewed with your vet, so you only stock what you know how to use
• Everyone helping knows who to call and when

Each time you check the herd

• Look for cows separating from the herd, restless, or repeatedly lying down and getting up
• Note any cow that is in labor, and write down the time you first noticed it
• Check calves for being up, dry and nursing
• Check that fresh water and feed are available
• Write it down. Records are how you spot patterns next year

Call your vet early if

• A cow or heifer has been in active labor and is not making progress
• You see something unusual coming first, or you cannot tell what you are looking at
• The cow seems exhausted or is down
• A calf is weak, cold, not nursing or not up
• You are not sure. Calling early is cheaper than calling late

After the calf arrives

• Calf is breathing well, up and nursing as soon as it reasonably can
• Calf gets colostrum early. Ask your vet about timing and amounts if it is not nursing
• Cow and calf are bonded and the cow is accepting the calf
• Cow passes the afterbirth. Tell your vet if she does not
• Tag, record the date, sex, cow and any notes
• Navel and general condition checked, following your vet’s routine for your herd