Feeding cows late in the evening can help to reduce the number of animals that calve through the night.
Although it is not an exact science, most farmers who follow this practice have found a greater percentage of cows tended to calve early in the morning. This makes it easier to watch and offer assistance to cows that require help.
Start by feeding silage every evening around two weeks before cows are due to begin calving. This will get animals into a routine.
The later silage is offered, the better, but the timing has to fit in with your daily routine.
Last until morning
Offer cows enough silage to last until the morning of the next day, lunchtime at the latest. Once the feed passage is empty, do not offer any more silage until evening.
Cows should be in a fasted state by the time fresh silage is offered again. By this time, cows will be more inclined to stand and eat to appetite, than lie and ruminate.
With the cow more focused on feeding at night, this can help to delay the onset of labour, thereby pushing more cows to calve early in the morning.
As stated, it is not an exact science and there will be some cows that calve through the night.
Also, it will not be practical for every farmer due to the time involved with a daily feeding regime. But when followed correctly, it offers advantages for herd owners during calving time.
Read more
Register: calving the cow and care of the calf webinar
Top tips for dealing with calving difficulties
Feeding cows late in the evening can help to reduce the number of animals that calve through the night.
Although it is not an exact science, most farmers who follow this practice have found a greater percentage of cows tended to calve early in the morning. This makes it easier to watch and offer assistance to cows that require help.
Start by feeding silage every evening around two weeks before cows are due to begin calving. This will get animals into a routine.
The later silage is offered, the better, but the timing has to fit in with your daily routine.
Last until morning
Offer cows enough silage to last until the morning of the next day, lunchtime at the latest. Once the feed passage is empty, do not offer any more silage until evening.
Cows should be in a fasted state by the time fresh silage is offered again. By this time, cows will be more inclined to stand and eat to appetite, than lie and ruminate.
With the cow more focused on feeding at night, this can help to delay the onset of labour, thereby pushing more cows to calve early in the morning.
As stated, it is not an exact science and there will be some cows that calve through the night.
Also, it will not be practical for every farmer due to the time involved with a daily feeding regime. But when followed correctly, it offers advantages for herd owners during calving time.
Read more
Register: calving the cow and care of the calf webinar
Top tips for dealing with calving difficulties
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