Navigating the Challenges of Calving Time

Calving time is a critical and busy period on the farm, demanding heightened caution due to the unpredictable behaviour of freshly calved cows. As a farmer, it is crucial to prioritise your safety and the safety of those working on the farm, especially when working with livestock at calving time. Last year, there were 16 farming fatalities and five of these involved livestock. Fifty per cent of accidents on the farm are caused by livestock and, over the last ten years, attacks by cows at calving time accounted for one-third of all livestock-related fatalities.

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.

Creating a Safe Environment

To mitigate risks, your calving facility should be well-designed, tidy, and well-bedded with clean, dry straw. It should be designed to minimise direct physical contact between the farmer and the cow or heifer. A pen with a calving gate pivoting from a pillar at the front of the pen beside the head-gate provides added protection to the farmer during calving.

When assisting with calving, ensure the cow is securely held in a fully operational calving gate. Establish a physical barrier between yourself and the cow, and never turn your back on the cow after calving. Always have adequate assistance on hand and consider using a calving jack where appropriate to reduce the risk of back injury.

Well-designed handling facilities, including securely fenced fields, good holding pens, suitable cattle crush, sculling gate, calving facilities, and bull-handling facilities, contribute to safe cattle handling. Investing in such facilities not only enhances safety but also improves work efficiency.

Post-Calving Agitation

Cows often become agitated directly after calving. It is advisable to leave the cow and calf alone for 20 to 30 minutes to allow them to bond and 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 bottle or bucket with a teat.

When tagging a calf they often bawl, which can cause the mother to become protective and aggressive. Ensure the cow is securely isolated from you during this process.

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.

Post-Calving Agitation

Cows often become agitated directly after calving. It is advisable to leave the cow and calf alone for 20 to 30 minutes to allow them to bond and 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 bottle or bucket with a teat.

When tagging a calf they often bawl, which can cause the mother to become protective and aggressive. Ensure the cow is securely isolated from you during this process.

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

Experienced, competent, and agile cattle handlers are essential. Good stockmanship skills minimise stress to cattle and reduce the risk of injury to handlers. Pay attention to cattle demeanour, watching for signs of aggression such as head or tail positions, bellowing, and pawing the ground. Always ensure that there are enough people on hand to carry out the task safely.

In conclusion, safety should always be the top priority during calving time. By understanding the risks and implementing the appropriate precautionary measures, farmers can create a secure environment for both themselves and for their livestock.

Always think, safety frst.