Beef Cattle Calving Time

     Beef Cattle Calving Time is always the time to take extra care and be diligent because it may save you a calf for future production. If your time and schedule permits it is good to be there when the time comes. However, being there does not mean close enough to disturb the cow but close enough to observe what is going on.

     It is alwaysbest to leave the cow alone but be near enough to offer assistance if it should be needed or call the veterinarian in extreme cases. A good rule of thum is to never interfere or disturb the cow as long as she is making some progress. Birthing in some cases may occur within minutes and in other it may be up to four hours.

     One of your best tools is accurate breeding records so you will have a close estimate as to when the cow will calve and know when to start watching for the pre-calving symptoms. This would also give you the best time to sort her into the calving paddock. You should also have the box stall cleaned and prepared just in case but hoping it will not be needed. The best place for a cow to calf unless the weather is extreme will always be a clean pasture.

     Some of the first pre-calving signs will be the making of an udder or bagging up as we call. The udder is beginning to fill up with milk and usually the teats will be strutting a day or two before calving. As the time gets closer the cow may show restlessness and remove herself away from the rest of the herd.

    Yet closer to calving the vulva begins to show extreme signs of enlargement and the pelvic ligaments between the tailhead and pin bones begin to relax and show a separation effect.

     The last pre-calving symptom is the actual showing or breaking of the water bladder. This is generally thought of as the actual time heavy labor begins and very soon the calf shoud become visible. Normal birthing is front feet first with head neatly laying straight with the legs. When feet and legs first appear the bottom of the hooves will be down. If they are up it is not normal and usually means back legs or backwards birth.

     With the cow standing the normal route for the calf to be born is up and then down. You should always remember this if you should have to assist in the delivery. Never pull down when you should be pulling up or vice versa. It is an UP, UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN  route. Kind of like a see-saw, up until the weight shifts the point of balance and then down.

     If assistance is required it is best to use chains or a small nylon rope. Be sure they are clean and do not tie them into a knot that will cut off circulation in the legs before you can remove them after pulling the calf.

     Now, Read this again and go buy yourself an easy calving Herd Bull.