Calving and Post-calving (less than 2 months of age) |
- Springer cows and heifers must be observed twice a day in case they need assistance for dystocia or difficult calving. Animals need assistance if, after 2 hours of labor straining, no fetal parts (feet and head) have presented or only the fetal membrane (water bag) has presented. Animals also need assistance when fetal parts are presented but no progress is made after 1 hour.
- Newborn calves are weighed, identified, and their navels disinfected. They are observed to ensure that they begin nursing colostrum within 6 hours of birth and that they are in a sanitary environment. Calves are castrated and dehorned at birth or before 2 months of age.
- Calved cows may need an energy supplement during lactation, based on their hay and forage intake and their body condition scoring.
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