AS-397 Oct. 1971
^ Management  Beef
MANAGEMENT
L. A. Nelson and W. L. Singleton, Animal Sciences
OF THE CALF CROP
Department, and K. B. Meyer, Veterinary Science Department
Profitability of the cow-calf enterprise is usually determined by four major factors: (1) percent calves weaned, (2) weaning weight,
(3) value per pound of calf and (4) annual cost of maintaining the cow herd. Proper management of the calf crop from birth to weaning greatly influences the first three factors. In this publication we will discuss the important management practices essential to all cow-calf operations.
CHOICE OF CALVING SEASON
Most producers favor spring calving because it involves less intensive and expensive management practices than at any other season. Spring calving is more "in tune" with Mother Nature, because forage production is at its best and cows are generally more fertile. Cows can drop spring calves outdoors, as weather permits, away from buildings, which helps reduce health problems in the newborn calves. Furthermore, pregnant cows can be wintered more economically than lactating cows with fall calves. Also, spring-born calves are ready for sale in the fall when demand for feeder calves is greatest.
Table 1 on the top of page 2 highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages of spring and fall calving.
MANAGEMENT AT BIRTH
Losing a calf means losing your profit on that cow for a year's time. Proper management at birth can spell the difference!
If calving in confinement in fall, winter or early spring, provide clean, dry sheds as calving areas. Calves dropped on clean bedding or, better yet, on pasture have an excellent chance of avoiding scours and other diseases.
Closely observe all cows at calving time, especially first calf heifers. Many producers place bulls with yearling heifers 2 weeks before the breeding season with cows. This means the heifers will calve before the older cows, allowing more time with them.
A cow in true labor for more than 2 hours or in unusually severe labor should be given assistance. Occasionally, it is necessary to correct a minor problem, such as a front foot bent back or the calf’s head turned back. For a severe position problem, however, call your veterinarian.
As soon as possible after birth, remove mucus from the calf's nose and mouth. If the calf does not start to breathe normally, hold its hind legs and shake it vigorously, or apply artificial respiration by alternate pressure and release on the rib cage.
Disinfect the navel cord with iodine to guard against infection. One easy method is to pour a small amount of iodine into a wide-mouth bottle; then place the mouth of the bottle over the cord, and shake to dispense the iodine. Discard the iodine when finished.
Beef Section • Animal Sciences Department Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana