Tip #1: Have Calving Supplies On Hand

Having what you need to take care of the calves – before they start arriving – is always key. It’s why we created a complete calving checklist for customers like you to stay organized ahead of the season.

From bottles and nipples, to calf pullers, electrolytes, identification, and so much more, PBS Animal Health has everything you need. Download and print the calving checklist for your convenience, or shop by category for thousands of items priced right, in stock and ready to ship.

Tip #2: Be Ready with Colostrum

Colostrum is a mother’s first milk produced after birth and it’s rich with nutrients and antibodies. Calves need colostrum to protect against disease because their mother’s antibodies don’t get passed along while in utero. Without the proper colostrum intake in the first 12 hours of life, a calf is more likely to get scours and develop respiratory problems.

If you're calving in cold weather, it can be a challenge to get the calves up and nursing soon after birth. Our customers love the Nursemate ASAP supplement that helps give calves a head start while getting them up and nursing ASAP. One reviewer said “it’ll be routine practice for every calf now.”

Tip #3: Skip the Scours with First Defense

Calf scours leads to dehydration and is the leading cause of death for calves less than a month old. If you want guaranteed antibody levels to protect your calves against scours, there’s no better option than ImmuCell’s First Defense products. Instead of vaccinating the mother for scours (and hoping the antibodies get passed on) give the calf direct antibodies at birth. First Defense collects antibody-rich colostrum that’s purified and concentrated into gel tubes, boluses, and supplement powder for instant immunity. Learn more about the full product line here.

Tip #4: Keep Calves Warm

A calf’s normal body temperature (around 102 degrees) can drop quickly during outdoor calving, especially in windy, muddy areas. The stress from cold conditions can make them slow to stand and nurse. Whenever possible, bring the cows indoors to clean, bedded pens to welcome their calves in a warmer environment. If you can’t get inside, at least avoid the mud and try to find a space that blocks the wind.

You’ll know calves need to be warmed when their nostrils and/or hooves are cold and pale. Other signs include shivering, rapid breathing, and moving erratically or in an uncoordinated way. If you observe any of these signs, get them indoors and under a heat lamp or warm blankets. Our customers keep calf blankets from 3M and Weaver Livestock, as well as calf ear muffs on hand each season to keep calves warm as needed.

Tip #5: Don’t Forget Vaccines

Colostrum gives calves a good start, but we can’t forget the need to build additional immunity using vaccines. Pre-weaning vaccinations help to boost a calf’s natural immunity, but not all are safe for newborns. To help you find the right vaccines for your calves, and to determine which vaccines are safe for pregnant cows in the future, check out the PBS Animal Health cattle vaccine comparison chart.