Cows at Calving

It is important for farmers to protect themselves at calving time, as cows can be particularly dangerous. Sadly, during the last 10 years, 38 people have been killed in livestock accidents on Irish farms and many more have been seriously injured. Thirty-two per cent of these fatal accidents were as a result of attacks by cows with calves; 24 per cent were caused by an individual being knocked over by 18 per cent can be attributed to attacks by bulls; and an additional 16 per cent can be attributed to attacks by cattle.¹

Over half (52 per cent) of all farming accidents involve livestock². While most serious and fatal accidents are associated with handling cows at calving and handling of bulls, a significant number of accidents occur during routine tasks such as herding, loading, drenching, vaccinating and testing. 

Protect Yourself at Calving Time

Cows at calving time can be nervous, agitated, excited and aggressive, even animals that are normally very docile. Particular caution is required where dangerous behavioural warning signs are identified pre or post calving. Remember that any cow at calving time can have a sudden change of behaviour. The calving facility should be well designed, have a calving gate, be tidy and well-bedded with clean, dry straw, be free of obstructions and have good lighting. A calving pen should minimise the direct physical contact between the cow/heifer and the farmer. The pen should be designed so as to allow the calving gate to pivot from a pillar at the front of the pen beside the head-gate; this provides protection to the farmer as it rotates inwards. This contrasts with entering the pen with a cow to manoeuvre her into a calving gate. When calving cows/heifers ensure they are safely secured in a fully operational calving gate. It is essential for the farmer to establish an adequate physical barrier between themselves and the cow and never turn their back on a cow following calving.
Always ensure that there is adequate help at hand. If appropriate a calving jack should be used as this can reduce the risk of back injury. 

Cows generally become very agitated directly after calving.  After a cow calves, leave the cow and calf alone for 20-30 minutes to bond. This will allow the cow to calm down. 

If it is necessary to assist a newborn calf with suckling, safely put the cow back in the calving gate and assist the calf to feed or alternatively feed it colostrum using a bucket with a teat. Calves often bawl when they are being tagged and this may cause the mother to attack in an aggressive and protective manner. Ensure the cow is securely isolated from you when tagging their calf. 

Remember

• Remember all cows with calf will be protective of their young and this makes them potentially very dangerous. Keep children away from calving cows and cows with a newborn calf. 
• If calving aggression lasts for more than a few days, cull the cow after calf is weaned as aggression is a genetic trait. 

Cattle Handlers

It is important that cattle handlers are experienced, competent, and sufficiently agile for the class of livestock being handled. Good stockmanship skills will ensure that stress to cattle is minimised and that they are handled safely which will in turn reduce the risk of injury to the handler. The demeanour of cattle usually gives a hint as to their state of agitation. It is essential to watch out for and recognise danger signs such an aggressive/agitated head or tail positions, bellowing and pawing the ground. It should be ensured that there is enough people at hand to carry out the task safely.

Facilities

Well-designed handling facilities are essential for safe handling of all cattle. Facilities should include securely fenced fields, good holding pens, suitable cattle crush, sculling gate, calving facilities and bull handling facilities. Not only will good facilities make the job safer but it will also assist carrying out the work in a more efficient manner. If cattle are located on an out-farm, consider investing in cattle handling facilities at that location.

Always think safety first. 

Search FBD farm safety, online; or visit fbd.ie/farm-insurance/farm-safety for more information. 

¹ Health & Safety Authority report on main causes of deaths in agriculture and forestry 2012-2021.

² 2021 Teagasc National Farm Survey.