Preparing for Calving: What You Need on Hand & How to Be Ready
- Select Genetix
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
Calving season is one of the most rewarding (and stressful) times of the year for any cattle operation. Preparation can make the difference between smooth deliveries and preventable losses. Having the right supplies, facilities, and knowledge in place before the first calf hits the ground ensures both cow and calf health and helps reduce stress on you as the producer.
Below are key items and management practices we recommend having ready when calving season begins:
Facilities & Monitoring
Barn Cameras – Remote monitoring helps keep watch without constant trips outside, especially at night.
Clean Pens & Bedding – Fresh, dry, and sanitary pens prevent newborns from exposure to pathogens.
Easily Accessible Pasture – Keep cows close to high traffic areas so that they are easy to check on throughout the day and overnight.
Proximity to a Working Chute – Quick access to handling equipment is crucial if assistance or veterinary intervention is needed.
Adequate Lighting – Good barn and pen lighting makes nighttime checks and interventions safer and easier.
Good Fencing & Gates – Prevent escapes and allow for safe sorting of cows needing attention.
✅Supplies to Have Ready
High-Quality Colostrum Replacer🥛 – Critical if the calf cannot nurse right away. Colostrum intake is one of the most important factors in calf health after birth. If colostrum is not ingested or is ingested too late, calves are at major risk of developing sepsis or other serious and often fatal health issues.
Supplemental Colostrum🥛 – Useful for weak calves or in cases of poor maternal colostrum quality.
Bottles & Tube Feeders 🍼– For ensuring calves get colostrum within the first few hours of life.
OB Chains or Calving Straps ⛓️– For safe, controlled pulling when needed.
Plenty of Lubricant 🧴– Reduces trauma during assisted births.
Wide Selection of Antibiotics💉 (Vet-Directed) – For treating infections in both cows and calves if needed.
Iodine or Chlorhexidine 🧼– For dipping navels and reducing risk of umbilical infections.
Calf Puller (Calving Jack) – Only for use when absolutely necessary and with proper training.
Clean Towels & Gloves 🧺 – For drying calves and maintaining hygiene during interventions.
Thermometer 🌡️ – Quick detection of illness in calves or cows.
Heat Source🔥 (calf warmer, heat lamp, or hot box) – For weak or chilled calves.
Extra Bedding🌾 (straw, shavings, etc.) – To keep calving areas warm and dry.
Ear Tags & Records 📋– For immediate calf ID and herd recordkeeping.
Trusted Veterinarian on Call 📲– Critical for emergencies or complications beyond your control.
Management Practices
Frequent Checks – Monitor cows every 1–3 hours, especially during peak calving periods. Adjust your checking frequency depending on cow history, expected birthweights, or any other factors that may play a role in calving ease or difficulty.
It’s better to check too often than not enough!
Watch Behavior Closely – Restlessness, isolation, tail switching, and reduced appetite can all signal labor is near.
Know the Signs of Trouble – Extended labor, abnormal presentations, or lack of progress indicate it’s time to intervene.
Intervene Correctly – Gentle, timely assistance is often successful. Forcible pulling or delayed intervention can cause further complications or harm.
C-Sections as a Last Resort – A difficult decision, but often safer than forcing a calf that simply will not fit.
Calf Care After Birth – Ensure calves receive colostrum within the first 2 hours, dip navels, and confirm they are dry and breathing well.
Post-Calving Cow Care – Watch for retained placenta, infection, or metabolic issues.
💬Preparation is the foundation of calving success. By having the right supplies, clean facilities, and a clear plan in place, you set yourself up to handle both routine deliveries and emergencies. Calving can be unpredictable, but being ready ensures that cows and calves have the best chance for a healthy start.
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