How cold is too cold to calve ??

[blueriver]

One of my cows may calf this evening or into the morning. We don't normally suffer this bad in the temperature. We currently have a fresh 3" of snow NW winds at 10-15 and 19 degrees.

Tonight we get to single digits with winds and they say wind chills near -5 ... the cows have plenty of hay, protein tubs, mineral and get 5 lbs per head per day of 14% pellet ... the only shelter are the wooded areas.

I thought about moving her to the lot ... that is sure to confuss her ... I am contemplating rolling out some bales in different locations hoping she would find a "bed" to have the calf ...

Share your thoughts please.

 

[MMagis]

Your idea is about the best you can do. Lots and lots of calves being born right now across the country. If at possible it would be a good idea to keep an eye out, and be ready to warm the calf inside if needed. If she's not used to being locked up, I agree that it's not the way to go.

 

[Mousefield]

I would think the calf would have a better chance of surviving if you could get it and the mom into some kind of shelter. We just bought a couple of calves two weeks ago; they were about 5 and 10 days old. We have kept them in a pen in the barn all this time and they will go out to the pasture with an 8 X 10 shed in March. Our weather is not as cold as yours but usually much wetter I suspect. Good luck with the little one.

 

[Duffster]

One of my cows may calf this evening or into the morning. We don't normally suffer this bad in the temperature. We currently have a fresh 3" of snow NW winds at 10-15 and 19 degrees.

Tonight we get to single digits with winds and they say wind chills near -5 ... the cows have plenty of hay, protein tubs, mineral and get 5 lbs per head per day of 14% pellet ... the only shelter are the wooded areas.

I thought about moving her to the lot ... that is sure to confuss her ... I am contemplating rolling out some bales in different locations hoping she would find a "bed" to have the calf ...

Share your thoughts please.

I wouldn't worry about confusing her. If you can get here in a barn would be best if not just provide plenty of bedding to keep the calf dry. The temps you mention are really a non issue.

 

[sweettractors]

One of my cows may calf this evening or into the morning. We don't normally suffer this bad in the temperature. We currently have a fresh 3" of snow NW winds at 10-15 and 19 degrees.

Tonight we get to single digits with winds and they say wind chills near -5 ... the cows have plenty of hay, protein tubs, mineral and get 5 lbs per head per day of 14% pellet ... the only shelter are the wooded areas.

I thought about moving her to the lot ... that is sure to confuss her ... I am contemplating rolling out some bales in different locations hoping she would find a "bed" to have the calf ...

Share your thoughts please.

I have had cows have calves when it was cold enough to frostbite the ears off and the calves still did fine. Ken Sweet

 

[Egon]

Should be no problem as long as both cow and calf can stay dry.

 

[blueriver]

Your idea is about the best you can do. Lots and lots of calves being born right now across the country. If at possible it would be a good idea to keep an eye out, and be ready to warm the calf inside if needed. If she's not used to being locked up, I agree that it's not the way to go.

Thanks ... I know darn well if I lot her she is going to panic and become a real hand full. She's due the 14th ... has frozen discharge and has sunk it.

I would think the calf would have a better chance of surviving if you could get it and the mom into some kind of shelter. We just bought a couple of calves two weeks ago; they were about 5 and 10 days old. We have kept them in a pen in the barn all this time and they will go out to the pasture with an 8 X 10 shed in March. Our weather is not as cold as yours but usually much wetter I suspect. Good luck with the little one.

I would think so as well ... I thought of her and a couple others in the lot. Guess I just go out ALOT during the night to check on things.

I wouldn't worry about confusing her. If you can get here in a barn would be best if not just provide plenty of bedding to keep the calf dry. The temps you mention are really a non issue.

I agree with confusing her, a cow can get pretty weird ... I put out extra hay in hopes when the time comes she does the job in the bedding.

I have had cows have calves when it was cold enough to frostbite the ears off and the calves still did fine. Ken Sweet

Thanks Ken ... I've never had it that cold for frostbite ears ... I did read if the body temp drops a calf can be warmed in 105-110 degree tub of water ... as long as you don't scrub the baby to dry where mom won't smell it and realise its not hers. Hoping she holds off a couple days ... supposed to be in the 40's Friday.

 

[blueriver]

Should be no problem as long as both cow and calf can stay dry.

Egon ... will be her 3rd calf so she sound do fine. The snow has quit, extra hay out for bedding... if the calving goes easy and mom gets the baby dried and it gets the colostrum quick all should work out.

First time this weather has gotten this cold (for me) .. will be checking alot during the night.

 

[deereman10]

-20 wind chill here in wisconsin. When I'm expecting a cow to calf in this weather I keep an eye on her at all times day and night. When the calf arrives I get it into the greenhouse ASAP.

 

[Egon]

[will be checking alot during the night.QUOTE]

Some folks that have cow calf operations may place their "Due Cows" in a special holding pen and monitor them with a camera and screen in the bedroom.:thumbsup:

 

[blueriver]

[will be checking alot during the night.QUOTE]

Some folks that have cow calf operations may place their "Due Cows" in a special holding pen and monitor them with a camera and screen in the bedroom.:thumbsup:

Ya right ... I'd be so comfortable, I'd fall a sleep and miss it all !! Without the technology ... I lay awake and go get first hand. Good idea though !!

 

[SandburRanch]

... the only shelter are the wooded areas.



Share your thoughts please.

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Cows prefer to be alone to calve. So if given the choice she will probably choose the shelter of the wooded area and they will be just fine if it's a normal birth. If you check on her occasionally try to do so from a distance with a spot light if possible. And by all means make any dog(s) stay at the house.