Preparation sets the tone for a stress-free calving season. K-State Extension veterinarian AJ Tarpoff says preparation starts before the first calf hits the ground.
Ensure all tools, equipment and supplies like chains, straps, gloves, lubricant and colostrum replacer are cleaned, organized and ready before calving begins. Store crucial items in a portable, easy-to-access tote.
Tarpoff uses a cooler for his calving tool kit.
“It is easy to grab and keeps supplies nice and warm on cold calving nights,” Tarpoff says.
Keep items like chains or straps in clean bags and have extra supplies on hand.
“Preparation starts with inventory,” Tarpoff explains. “Calving season always sneaks up and nothing’s more stressful than reaching for a piece of equipment and either being out or can’t find it.”
He reminds producers not to neglect the “usables,” which often run out at the worst times. This includes OB gloves, lubricant and colostrum replacer.
Don’t forget the thermometer and make sure it is in working order.
“A digital rectal thermometer belongs in every calving kit,” Tarpoff stresses. “It’s your best tool to assess hypothermia and determine if a calf needs warming help right away.”
Tarpoff shares this checklist for producers as they prepare for calving:
- Cooler or tote
- 2 sets of OB chains/straps
- Two OB handles
- OB sleeves
- Spare nitrile gloves
- Towels
- OB lubricant
- Disinfectant (betadine)
- Halter
- Rope
- Head light
- Esophageal feeding tube
- Calf feeding bottle
- Colostrum replacer
- Bucket
- Water
- Ear tagging equipment
- Castration bander
- Rectal thermometer
