To ensure a smooth and safe calving process, it's essential to prioritize the health of both the cows and their calves. Every cow should be able to deliver without unnecessary stress or complications, minimizing losses and ensuring a healthy start for the newborns. A successful calving not only supports the cow’s transition into the lactation period but also lays the foundation for the calf’s long-term growth and development. Here are key steps to achieve this goal.
First and foremost, maintaining a clean and disinfected environment is crucial. Cows in the perinatal stage have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, regular disinfection of the calving area is necessary. It's recommended to disinfect the bedding at least once a week using products like acid-based, alkaline, or chlorine solutions. Before applying disinfectants, make sure all areas—such as the cow bed and drainage channels—are thoroughly cleaned. The same applies to the cow’s udder, which should be disinfected daily with a 1:4 iodophor solution to prevent mastitis after birth.
Encouraging natural delivery is another important strategy. Approximately 70% of cows can give birth without human intervention. When a cow shows signs of labor, she should be gently guided into a clean, well-prepared calving area. If a dedicated calving room isn’t available, use a temporary space surrounded by barriers, ensuring it is clean and soft for the cow to lie down. Avoid excessive interference, but remain attentive throughout the process to intervene only when necessary.
After calving, allow the cow to dry the calf naturally for at least an hour. This helps stimulate milk production and aids in the expulsion of the placenta. Do not rush to remove the calf from the cow immediately. Instead, let them bond and establish a strong connection, which is vital for the calf’s early immunity and survival.
When artificial assistance is required, proper precautions must be taken. Before performing any manual intervention, assess the cow’s condition, check for abnormalities in the birth canal, and evaluate the fetus. Ensure that all tools and the midwife’s hands are properly disinfected using mild antiseptics such as iodophor or benzalkonium chloride. Never reuse disinfectants or equipment from previous procedures. If the calf is too large or the birth canal is obstructed, consider a cesarean section to protect both the cow and the calf.
Post-calving care involves two main aspects: treating the cow and the calf. For the cow, provide warm brown sugar water or red sugar with motherwort to help her recover. Monitor her closely for any signs of complications, such as retained placenta, uterine prolapse, or abnormal discharge. Also, check her appetite, body temperature, and milk quality.
For the calf, identify its sex, weigh it, and record the information. Apply 5–10% iodine to the umbilical cord to prevent infection. Early feeding is critical—calves should nurse their mother’s colostrum within 1.5 hours of birth. This provides essential antibodies and boosts their immunity. Feed the calf at consistent times, with milk at the right temperature and in the correct amount. After each feeding, sterilize the containers and wipe the calf’s mouth with a clean towel to prevent disease transmission through licking.
By following these practices, ranchers can significantly improve the success rate of calving, enhance the health of both cows and calves, and lay a solid foundation for productive dairy operations.
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