Spring calving will be on the verge of starting for many suckler herds around the country. Where cows are wintered on slats but will calve on a straw-bedded sheds, it is better to move cows early, rather than waiting until cows show signs of early labour.

Moving cows to a different shed as they become more restless in the early stages of labour can put some animals off calving.

Increase problems

In such instances, delayed labour can increase problems at calving time, especially in first- and second-calving animals.

Every farmer knows their own cows best and the calving ease of the herd’s stock bull, so use your own discretion.

But, in most cases, think about moving cows off slats to straw bedding around five to 10 days before the animal’s predicted due date. This gives cows time to settle into the shed.

Alternatively, move cows once udders have filled properly, the vulva is heavily swollen, the tail head appears to have risen and pin bones sitting lower. Again, these signs should be picked up a few days before calving.

Water bag

If you normally hold cows on slats until the water bag presents, be sure someone is present for every calving, as there is likely to be occasions when a calf is born on slats.

There is nothing wrong with cows calving on slats, but there is an increased chance of mis-mothering and calves being injured or trampled by another cow.

Always treat the calf’s naval as soon as possible, as dirty slats present a disease risk to the newborn calf. Follow this up by ensuring the calf gets plenty of colostrum.

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