Colostrum

Calf Survival Tips For Before, During and After Birth

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:13:10 GMT

Most discussions around calf loss begin at calving. But by then, much of the outcome has already been set in motion.

Across veterinary perspectives from different production environments, a consistent picture emerges. Calf outcomes are shaped over time, influenced by a series of decisions and conditions that build on one another.

It is important to note these patterns may look different depending on region — whether driven by cold stress, heat, drought or mud. The underlying process, however, remains consistent across systems.

Before Birth: Build Resilience Early

Calf outcomes begin to take shape during gestation. Nutrition, stress and overall maternal management all contribute to how the calf develops before it is ever born.

“Poor nutrition of the cow is a stress on the fetus … any stress on the cow can affect the development of the placenta and also of the calf,” says Dr. Katie Waine, veterinary pathologist at the University of Calgary. “Maternal stress around breeding and pregnancy can also have much longer-term effects on calf health, production and reproductive performance way off into the future.”

This concept, known as fetal programming, highlights how early conditions influence organ development, immune function and long-term performance. Calves may appear normal at birth while still benefiting from stronger developmental foundations established during gestation.

Key risk factors before birth include:

Inadequate maternal nutrition or poor body condition
Environmental or physiological stress during gestation
Inconsistent feed quality
Health challenges
Gaps in vaccination or biosecurity planning

Nutritional management during gestation plays a central role in setting the foundation for calf health. Cows entering calving in appropriate body condition are better positioned to support both fetal growth and colostrum quality. Reducing stress during pregnancy further supports placental function and fetal development. Consistent feed quality, stable environments and proactive health management all contribute to a stronger starting point for the calf.

At Birth: Support a Strong Transition

Calving represents a key opportunity to support the calf’s transition into early life. While it can reveal existing vulnerabilities, it also provides a chance to reinforce resilience.

“The effects of a difficult calving don’t stop at birth — they carry forward into immunity, vigor and overall survivability,” says Dr. Lisa Freeze, field veterinarian supervisor with the Government of New Brunswick.

A smooth calving process helps calves stand, nurse and absorb colostrum more effectively. Timely intervention when needed can prevent minor challenges from becoming larger setbacks.

“When calves are delayed during calving or we have to intervene late, they’re already starting life at a disadvantage,” Freeze says.

Key risk factors at birth include:

Prolonged or difficult calving (dystocia)
Delayed standing or nursing
Inadequate or delayed colostrum intake
Early-life stress or trauma

Focusing on calving ease, monitoring progress and ensuring early colostrum intake all support a stronger start. These early actions directly influence immune transfer and overall vigor.

“What we see with the sickness and death of calves all depends on how much pathogen they get exposed to and how resistant they are to it,” says Dr. Van Mitchell of Metzger Veterinary Services.

Supporting resistance through colostrum and minimizing early stress helps calves respond effectively to their environment.

After Birth: Manage Exposure and Reinforcing Success

After birth, management focuses on maintaining the balance between exposure and resistance. Even well-prepared calves benefit from environments that support their continued development.

In practical settings, multiple factors often interact. Recognizing these interactions allows producers to stay ahead of potential challenges.

“It’s rarely just one thing. A calf that struggles at birth, doesn’t get enough colostrum, and then is exposed to a challenging environment — those risks stack on top of each other,” says Dr. Allison Pylypjuk of Beausejour Animal Hospital.

Dr. Lauren Wilson of Peterborough Veterinary Services agrees: “Those calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are much more susceptible to disease, and when you combine that with environmental exposure, that’s when we start to see problems like scours and pneumonia.”

The same principle applies in a positive direction. When calves receive timely colostrum, experience minimal stress at birth and are raised in clean environments, those advantages build as well.

Key risk factors after birth include:

High pathogen load in calving or housing areas
Overcrowding or poor stocking density
Mixing age groups, especially older calves with newborns
Delayed identification and isolation of sick animals

Clean calving areas, appropriate stocking density and thoughtful grouping strategies help limit pathogen exposure. These practices support calves as they continue to develop immunity and resilience.

“We can eliminate a lot of exposure to the pathogens by keeping our calving areas clean, keeping the sick animals away,” Mitchell says.

Managing these factors helps maintain momentum established earlier, allowing calves to continue on a positive trajectory.

A Proactive Approach to Calf Survival

Viewing calf outcomes as a cumulative process creates more opportunities for intervention. Each stage — before birth, at calving and after birth — offers a chance to support the calf’s success.

Rather than focusing only on problems after they appear, this approach emphasizes building resilience early and reinforcing it over time. The goal is not to eliminate all challenges, but to create conditions where calves are better prepared to respond. Consistent management, early attention and thoughtful decision-making all contribute to improved outcomes.

Calf survival is not determined in a single moment. It develops step by step, shaped by a series of actions that build on one another from gestation through early life.

How Calving Season Data Drives Better Herd Management Decisions

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:44:01 GMT

As calving season gets underway for many producers, it’s not just about getting live calves on the ground — it’s about setting those calves and their dams up for a lifetime of performance.

In a special episode of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, hosts Jim Johnson, of Brands and Barbed Wire , Ian Wheal, CEO and founder of Breedr , and Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska feedlot specialist, visit with Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services about how data, nutrition, health and genetics all intersect at calving time.

Engle was also featured in episode eight .

Data at Birth: “No Better Time Than Starting Now”

From Wheal’s perspective, calving is the true beginning of an animal’s record — and missing that opportunity means giving up a lot of future insight.

“This is the start of the animal’s life,” he says. “This is when the data collection starts on this animal, if you can do it.”

He emphasizes linking each calf to its dam is pivotal. Explaining the value of tracking each cow’s calving performance make you better prepared and equipped to make culling decisions later.

By collecting birth data, you also gain an early handle on inventory, which feeds directly into budgeting and marketing.

Even if full birth data collection isn’t feasible, Wheal urges producers to at least recognize which cows have calved and assess them from a distance — especially mothering ability and calf vigor. These observations become powerful when reviewed later alongside performance data.

“There’s more to just going out and seeing that calf’s alive and nursed,” Johnson adds. “We look at things like calf vigor, you know, how quick did that calf get up and nurse? And then the mothering ability of the cow, that’s really important too.”

Collecting these details helps producers make informed sire selection and cow retention decisions. For example, if calves from a certain sire are consistently slow to get up, that’s a genetic signal that can guide future breeding choices.

Nutrition and Colostrum: Setting Calves Up For Success

On the nutrition side, Sperber explains a successful calving season starts well before the calf hits the ground — especially in the third trimester.

“Nutritional status of the cow is extremely essential in that third trimester,” she says. “So making sure she does have some overall flesh and cover on her… obviously, not too much flesh.”

She also highlights the importance of minerals to support calving, including calcium and magnesium.

Once the calf is born, the conversation returns to a familiar theme: colostrum is critical . If a cow has complications, poor milk letdown or the calf is weak, producers must be ready with alternative colostrum sources.

“Colostrum is critical,” Sperber stresses. “The longevity of that animal to perform on the rail for us starts at birth, starts in utero, essentially.”

Engle reinforces preparation for worst-case scenarios — like weak calves or dystocia — is a key part of good calf health management.

“I think that’s a big part of it, is being ready for worst case scenarios,” he says.

Johnson and Engle agree the economic reality regarding healthy calves.

“It’s hard to make money on dead calves,” Johnson says. Engle agrees, adding: “Absolutely, dead calves don’t pay the bills.”

Data Collection: Make It Simple and Standard

A recurring theme during the podcast was keeping data collection simple and consistent, so it is convenient and actually happens in real-world ranch conditions.

Engle points out even basic records — how much colostrum a calf received, what the weather was or any unusual events — can explain later performance differences.

“Just go out and take a picture,” Johnson suggests, if you are too busy to write down data. “You got a date, you got what the udder looks like, what the cow looks like, whether the calf’s cleaned off and up yet. You’ve got a lot of those things that help you remember.”

He suggests the photos can later support culling decisions, udder score evaluations and troubleshooting poor performance.

Genetics and Genomics: Accuracy Matters

From a genetics and genomics angle, Johnson and Wheal discuss when a good time is to collect tissue samples for genomic testing.

If tissue samples are taken at birth, Johnson cautions the calf must be clean and fairly dry to avoid contamination from amniotic fluid.

They also flag a common problem in larger operations and calving barns: cows switching calves. If calves are mismatched to dams or sires, genomic data and performance records lose their value.

“Part of that accuracy is also making sure that that calf’s out of the right sire and out of the right cow,” Johnson stresses. “Having accurate data is as important as having data.”

When sampling at birth isn’t convenient, branding time can be a good alternative, if identity is clearly captured and linked.

In summary, as Johnson notes, many people are in the cattle business for the joy of seeing calves “bouncing around green pastures.” Thoughtful data collection and solid management at calving help ensure more of those calves not only survive but go on to perform and pay the bills.

Tips to Prevent Hypothermia in Calves

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:29:19 GMT

Hypothermia, which is lower than normal body temperature, is one of the major causes of death in newborn calves. Wet and cold weather (below 50°F) accompanied by wind will take a toll on calves especially if the calving process takes longer than normal.

Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, shares these four tips to reduce the chance of hypothermia:

Dry calves immediately, remove all wetness with towels or a blow dryer
Warm externally, use heat lamps, the floor board of your farm truck, a “hot box,” or a warm water bath (around 100°F, gradually increasing); remove heat source when calf’s temperature is up to 99°F and monitor to ensure they are able to maintain their temperature
Get calves off the cold ground, place calves on pallets or blankets to prevent heat loss
Get calves to a warm, dry, sheltered area like a barn, garage or shop

(Mindemann Farms)

How Can You Reducing the Chance of Hypothermia?

Johnson explains the precalving nutrition of the cow can reduce the chance of hypothermia.

“Moderate environmental temperatures aren’t typically a problem for calves produced by cows with adequate milk/colostrum supply that are in good condition,” he says describing good condition is a body condition score of 5.5 to 6. “Calves from cows that have had good nutrition during the last trimester of pregnancy have a layer of brown fat that serves as a rapidly mobilized energy reserve to make them vigorous at birth and quick to get up and nurse. On the other hand, calves from thin cows may not have the energy needed and are more susceptible to hypothermia.”

Dystocia or calving difficulty increases the amount of time a calf will take to stand and nurse, which increases the potential of hypothermia.

“Calves maintain body temperature by converting food into body heat,” Johnson says. “Calves need to stand and nurse an adequate amount of colostrum as soon as possible after birth. If there is any question as to whether a calf has ingested an adequate amount, use a tube feeder or bottle to administer warm, high fat (up to 10%) colostrum.”

A practical rule-of-thumb is to feed 5% to 6% of the calf’s body weight within the first four hours and repeat the feeding when the calf is about 12 hours old. For an 80-lb. calf, this will equate to about 2 quarts of colostrum per feeding. Calves that nurse or are given colostrum within the first two to four hours after birth fare much better throughout their entire lives.

How Do You Assist a Hypothermic Calf?

There are several ways to assist a hypothermic calf, according to Johnson, the first step is knowing when to help.

Normal rectal temperature of a newborn calf is 101.5°F to 102.5°F. A thermometer will help to know if a calf is at risk. If the temperature drops below 101°F, help might be needed.

Johnson says place a finger in the mouth to check for a suckling reflex.

“The mouth of a healthy calf will be warm and moist, and the calf will attempt to chew or suck your finger,” he explains. “Lack of a suckling reflex is a definite sign that you are dealing with a cold stressed calf that needs assistance.”

When calves are cold, the body responds in two ways: shivering and diverting blood flow to their inner core.

“Shivering is an involuntary reflex that increases heat produced by the muscle, but it requires energy,” Johnson says. “Excessive shivering, erratic behavior, confusion and clumsy movement are all signs of hypothermia.”

Mild hypothermia is a calf temperature below 100°F. Severe hypothermia, when internal organs start to cool is below 94°F.

Johnson suggests when rewarming a calf is necessary, there are two routes: internal and external.

Administering colostrum should be the first step to warm the calf internally. Warm (100°F to 102°F), high-quality colostrum is vital as it provides fat and energy that will be burned for internal heat. In some cases, administering colostrum or milk replacer might need to be repeated. Externally, the following steps should be followed to treat and prevent hypothermia in at-risk calves.

Producer Tips: Saving Ears

For producers who want to reduce frostbite and frozen ears, Kassi Werning of Jared Werning Cattle, Parkston, S.D., shares this strategy:

Werning adds a few tips forgotten in the video, include:

Dry is essential to success. “We dry every baby with a blower when it’s this cold (after mom has had a chance to do her job for a bit) focusing on neck, ears and tail.”
Do not tag at these temps.
When warm enough to remove, a good, sharp tag cutter works like magic.

Your Next Read:
How Important is Colostrum?

What Ranchers Need to Know About Vitamin A

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:14:50 GMT

Cattle aren’t cheap, which makes it more important than ever to make sure ranchers are managing in ways that tap into the full genetic potential of their cattle. Proper nutrition and ensuring nutrient deficiencies aren’t present is one way to do this, especially keeping Vitamin A in mind.

“Vitamin A is a very critical nutrient, as are all vitamins, and first of all vitamins are what we call mainly trace elements,” says Blane Lowe, DVM. “It’s involved with the gene expressions, so vitamin A can help make sure cattle reach optimal performance.”

Signs of vitamin A deficiency can vary but all impact cattle well-being and performance.

“Blindness and specifically night blindness is a large component of that we see things with dull and rougher hair coats,” Lowe says. “With younger animals, you can certainly see stunted growth or slower growth rate, lower weight gains and reproductive efficiency.”

Part of the lower and slower growth rates are caused by reduced Vitamin A in colostrum.

“If there’s not some winter supplementation, it’s not uncommon to see the cows have low vitamin A levels,” Lowe says. “The consequences to those cows are really kind of minimal compared to those of the calves they are carrying … Those get their first 90 days of vitamin A through colostrum.”

Lowe also notes that retained placentas, pink eye and footrot are connected too.

“We see pink eyes, foot rots, they’re all associated with them,” he says.

Nature does a good job providing adequate vitamin A during specific times throughout the year.

“Mother Nature’s provided us with vitamin A in green, lush forages,” Lowe says. “Cattle also store anywhere from a 2-to-4-month’s supply of vitamin A in the liver.”

However, it’s the winter months or even drought years that create need for vitamin A supplementation.

Drought is probably one of the biggest factors there,” Lowe says. “Certainly higher nitrates in the feedstuffs can contribute to a poorer absorption and conversion of vitamin A in the body.”

Ranchers can take steps to ensure adequate vitamin A levels in their herds through proper nutrition, mineral programs and even supplementation if levels are already undesirable.

One solution for herds who need supplementation is Optade which is a water-soluble vitamin A.

It’s called Optade because in addition to the vitamin A, it also has 300,000 international units of vitamin D and 1,260 of vitamin E,” Lowe says.

This solution is administered through the primary water supply of cattle.

“We will recommend that people, if they’re able to, put it in their water supply; put that in at roughly a pound per hundred gallons of water,” Lowe says.

Something to note about vitamin A is its low stability.

“Vitamin A is not really stable, so it degrades fairly rapidly,” Lowe says. “If you bought your mineral several months ago with a specific amount of vitamin A in it, it’s likely that level is no longer the same.”

However you choose to ensure proper nutrient levels in your cattle, keep in mind the big picture of profit and cattle health and performance.

“We’ve done an excellent job as an industry of looking at genomically enhanced EPDs; we’ve selected a very good set of genetics in our herds for the most part,” Lowe says. “Ensuring proper vitamin A levels allows ranchers to take advantage of what they’ve purchased through our breeding selections and give genes the opportunity to be expressed.”

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast .