Prepare for a Safe and Successful Calving Season

Calving is one of the most important times of year for both suckler and dairy farmers. Planning ahead for spring calving or autumn calving reduces stress, helps prevent emergencies, and ensures healthier cows and calves. With the right calving essentials and tools in place, you can focus on smooth, safe deliveries.

When is Calving Season in the UK?

The main calving season in the UK depends on your herd type and system:

• Spring calving (February–April): Most common for suckler herds and many seasonal dairy herds. It aligns calving with grass growth, reducing feed costs.
• Autumn calving (September–November): Favoured by some dairy farms to balance milk supply or for housing convenience.
• Seasonal calving systems: These concentrate births into tight windows, reducing workload outside the calving period.

Dairy vs suckler herds:

• Dairy herds may opt for tighter spring blocks to match peak milk demand.
• Suckler herds often calve in spring for easier turnout and better calf growth on grass.

Calving Essentials & Equipment

Being well-prepared makes the difference between easy calvings and stressful emergencies.

Must-have calving equipment checklist:

• Long arm-length gloves
• Calving ropes or chains
• Calving jack (checked and ready to use)
• Plenty of lubricant
• Iodine solution for navel dipping
• Colostrum supplies (fresh, frozen, or replacer)
• Calving gate with proper dimensions

Calving gate measurements:
A good calving gate should be around 1.8–2.1m high and 2.5–3.0m wide with head yoke access.

Health & Monitoring Tips

Knowing how to monitor cow labour is crucial for reducing stress and avoiding losses.

Signs of labour:

• Restlessness, tail raising, frequent lying and standing
• Mucus discharge and water bag appearance
• Straining and visible calf feet

Normal vs difficult calving:

• A cow should make steady progress once the calf enters the birth canal.
• If no progress is seen within 30 minutes, intervention may be required.

Breech presentation in cow:

• This occurs when the calf’s hind feet or tail present first.
• It usually requires skilled assistance – have your vet’s number handy.

Calving tips to reduce intervention:

• Monitor cows closely during peak calving times
• Ensure cows are fit but not overfat pre-calving
• Keep stress levels low in the shed

Post-Calving Care & Colostrum Quality

The first hours after birth are critical for calf survival.

• Colostrum feeding: Calves need at least 3–4 litres of high-quality colostrum within 2 hours.
• Testing colostrum: A Brix refractometer can measure quality – aim for 22% or higher.
• Navel care: Dip in iodine to prevent infection.
• Spring calves: With many born in quick succession, keeping records ensures none miss vital care.

Farm Safety During Calving

Calving can be unpredictable and safety hazards are real:

• Cows can become aggressive when protecting their calf.
• Assisted calvings with jacks and ropes carry physical risks.
• Lone working policies should always be in place – don’t handle difficult calvings alone.
• Use secure handling areas and calving gates to reduce risk.

How Herdwatch Helps with Calving Records

Herdwatch takes the paperwork out of calving:

• Register calf births instantly with BCMS and Irish databases.
• Log cow treatments & interventions during and after calving.
• Track calf performance with weight and health records.
• Share records with your vet or advisor to improve herd management.

FAQs