{"id":19109,"date":"2026-05-18T09:33:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T09:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/?p=19109"},"modified":"2026-05-22T13:18:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T13:18:33","slug":"calving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/blog\/calving\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare for a Safe and Successful Calving Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calving is one of the most important times of year for both suckler and dairy farmers. Planning ahead for <strong>spring calving<\/strong> or <strong>autumn calving<\/strong> reduces stress, helps prevent emergencies, and ensures healthier cows and calves. With the right <strong>calving essentials<\/strong> and tools in place, you can focus on smooth, safe deliveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/herdwatchng.app.link\/free-sign-up\">Try Herdwatch for free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Calving Season in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>main calving season in the UK<\/strong> depends on your herd type and system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spring calving (February\u2013April):<\/strong> Most common for suckler herds and many seasonal dairy herds. It aligns calving with grass growth, reducing feed costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Autumn calving (September\u2013November):<\/strong> Favoured by some dairy farms to balance milk supply or for housing convenience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seasonal calving systems:<\/strong> These concentrate births into tight windows, reducing workload outside the calving period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dairy vs suckler herds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dairy herds<\/strong> may opt for tighter spring blocks to match peak milk demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suckler herds<\/strong> often calve in spring for easier turnout and better calf growth on grass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calving Essentials &amp; Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being well-prepared makes the difference between <strong>easy calvings<\/strong> and stressful emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Must-have calving equipment checklist:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long <strong>arm-length gloves<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calving ropes<\/strong> or chains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calving jack<\/strong> (checked and ready to use)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plenty of <strong>lubricant<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Iodine solution<\/strong> for navel dipping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Colostrum supplies<\/strong> (fresh, frozen, or replacer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calving gate<\/strong> with proper dimensions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Calving gate measurements:<\/strong><br>A good <strong>calving gate<\/strong> should be around 1.8\u20132.1m high and 2.5\u20133.0m wide with head yoke access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health &amp; Monitoring Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing <strong>how to monitor cow labour<\/strong> is crucial for reducing stress and avoiding losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Signs of labour:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Restlessness, tail raising, frequent lying and standing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mucus discharge and water bag appearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Straining and visible calf feet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Normal vs difficult calving:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A cow should make steady progress once the calf enters the birth canal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If no progress is seen within 30 minutes, intervention may be required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Breech presentation in cow:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This occurs when the calf\u2019s hind feet or tail present first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It usually requires skilled assistance \u2013 have your vet\u2019s number handy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Calving tips to reduce intervention:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor cows closely during peak calving times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure cows are fit but not overfat pre-calving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep stress levels low in the shed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Post-Calving Care &amp; Colostrum Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first hours after birth are critical for calf survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Colostrum feeding:<\/strong> Calves need at least 3\u20134 litres of high-quality colostrum within 2 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testing colostrum:<\/strong> A <strong>Brix refractometer<\/strong> can measure quality \u2013 aim for 22% or higher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Navel care:<\/strong> Dip in iodine to prevent infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spring calves:<\/strong> With many born in quick succession, keeping records ensures none miss vital care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farm Safety During Calving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calving can be unpredictable and <strong>safety hazards<\/strong> are real:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cows can become aggressive when protecting their calf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assisted calvings with jacks and ropes carry physical risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lone working policies<\/strong> should always be in place \u2013 don\u2019t handle difficult calvings alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use secure handling areas and <strong>calving gates<\/strong> to reduce risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Herdwatch Helps with Calving Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Herdwatch takes the paperwork out of calving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Register calf births<\/strong> instantly with BCMS and Irish databases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Log cow treatments &amp; interventions<\/strong> during and after calving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Track calf performance<\/strong> with weight and health records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share records with your vet or advisor<\/strong> to improve herd management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/herdwatchng.app.link\/free-sign-up\">Start a free trial today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758895523273\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When is the main calving season in the UK?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Spring (Feb\u2013Apr) and autumn (Sept\u2013Nov), depending on herd type.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758895535443\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What should I have ready before calving?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Gloves, ropes, jack, lubricant, iodine, colostrum, and a safe calving gate.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758895545310\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I monitor a cow in labour?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Look for restlessness, mucus discharge, and steady progress once straining begins. Call for help if no progress in 30 minutes.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758895553381\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the ideal Brix reading for colostrum?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">22% or higher for good-quality colostrum.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758895562535\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What safety precautions should I take during calving?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Never calve cows alone, use secure gates, and be aware of protective mothers.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12223,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[355],"tags":[102,130,131,153],"location":[236,239,306],"class_list":["post-19109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-farming-operations","tag-agriculture","tag-farming","tag-farming-blog","tag-latest-news","location-gb","location-general","location-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Calving Preparation | Herdwatch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Be ready for calving season with expert tips, essential equipment, checklists, and safety advice. 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