Q: What body condition score (BCS) should a cow have before calving? 

A: A year-round body condition score (BCS) between 5 and 5.5 and building up to a BCS 6 by the time of calving is ideal — at least 60 days before. Cow nutrition and BCS impact fetal programming. A cow passes performance genes along to her growing fetus, but nutrition and BCS both impact if those genes are turned on or off.  A good BCS also can ensure stamina for a cow or heifer during calving, contribute to quality colostrum, help with calf vigor and influence the cow or heifer breeding back.  

For every 100 cows, a single point drop from a BCS 6 to a 5 at breeding could equate to roughly 25 calves that are either born later or are not born at all because nutrition slipped post-calving. Calves born later result in less weaning weight. 

Q: What happens to a cow's nutritional requirements after calving? 

A: After calving, cows go into their time of highest nutritional requirement — especially first-calf heifers. As a cow begins lactation, her protein and phosphorus requirements go up about 60-70% compared to requirements during the last trimester. Requirements for total digestible nutrients (TDN), or energy, increase by an additional 15-25%. These nutrients impact milk production, a cow’s ability to get bred back quickly and, ultimately, the resulting calf crop. 

Q: What calving supplies do I need before calving season? 

A: Make sure you have these 12 calving season essentials on-hand before calving season. Additionally, check and take inventory of the following calving supplies at least 30 days before calving:  

• Palpation gloves and disinfectant. 
• Have a method to record information.
• Check your thermometer. 
• Check that your scale is functioning. 
• Navel spray or dip. 
• Consider buying new bands each year as they tend to dry out and crack over time. 
• Banders and bands. 
• Ear tag applicators and ear tags. 

Q: What's the best way to develop a plan for cow and newborn calf checks? 

A: Consider your facilities before calving begins. If possible, calve cows in a pasture close to working facilities. It’s much easier to assist a cow calving if she can be easily moved to a chute and restrained. It also makes it easier to bring struggling calves inside. 

Identify how often you’ll check cows for calving, and don’t forget to have a plan to check calves. 

Q: How often should I check for signs of sickness or other problems in newborn calves? 

A: Check on newborn calves daily to identify signs of sickness early and treat affected calves quickly. Continue monitoring newborn calves once they are a day or two old. A problem can develop quickly. A newborn calf doesn’t have significant energy reserves, so if it becomes sick, its condition can deteriorate rapidly. 

Q: How long should you wait before calling a vet during difficult calving? 

A: Call your veterinarian if a cow is having calving difficulties and no progress has been made within 20 minutes. Personnel checking cows should be trained to recognize the signs of difficulty in calving and to confirm whether a newborn calf has nursed — a calf that's suckling is a sign things are going well. 

Q: How do I know my newborn calf is at risk? 

A: A newborn calf with an internal temperature below 101°F is considered at risk and needs intervention. 

 
At the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, struggling calves have their temperatures checked. Calves with an internal temperature below 101°F will be brought indoors, warmed up in a calf warmer and fed colostrum replacer.  
 
If the calf seems to be doing well, it is often moved back outdoors. If the calf is still struggling, it will stay indoors longer and may receive another round of colostrum replacer. 

For more information on colostrum replacer, contact your Purina representative. 

Q: How do you treat a scouring or dehydrated calf? 

A: Scouring calves lose a large volume of fluids and need a quality oral electrolyte solution. If scouring calves aren’t noticed until they are very ill — to the point where they don’t have a suckle reflex — contact your veterinarian to administer intravenous fluids.  

For more information on oral electrolytes, contact your Purina representative. 

Q: What additional step might help with tracking calf health? 

A: Upon delivery of a live calf, insert an ear tag for identification. Match and record the calf’s identification number to the cow’s number. Immediately applying an ear tag makes it easy to identify newborn calves if they become sick early on. Identification will help ensure the correct calf receives treatment.  

At the time of tagging, dip the navel with iodine to help it dry out and prevent bacteria from spreading to the calf through the umbilical cord. 

The Bottom Line 

Don’t roll the dice when it comes to calving. Preparation is always the season’s safe bet. 
 
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