Calving Preparation

Calving season is an extremely busy time of year. It's important to have the gear you need on hand to assist cows in calving – such as obstetric lubricants, calf pullers, and hip clamps, alongside accessories such as ropes, handles and gloves. Make sure you get your Calving Gear sorted early and have a “kit” to take out into the field with everything you might need. Include a notebook so you know what needs replacing. Our recommendations for your calving kit can be found below, and don't forget your wet weather gear, a torch and spare batteries!

What's in a calving kit?

• Bucket with a lid to contain kit
• Metabolics (clearly labelled milk fever treatments and starter drench)
• Calving ropes or chains (remember to clean after each use) & handles
• 2 litre container of lube (a plunger pump is an easy way to dispense lube)
• Towel and soap for cleaning hands
• Notebook and pencil (A pencil will still work in wet conditions unlike a pen)
• Ear tags or other calf identification system (pre numbered tags save time and reduce recording mistakes)
• Spray paint - red plus another colour (red can indicate a warning eg withhold milk communicate this with staff)
• Gloves
• Head torch and batteries
• Iodine spray for navels - pre mixed with water (do not use teat dip as an alternative)
• Key contact numbers (Vet, Farm Manager on laminated sheet)
• Food/energy bars

Calf rearing is all about quality colostrum, hygiene and minimising stress.

Hygiene is important across all aspects of the season - from birthing to the shed, bedding and feed. Stress can be reduced by providing a warm, dry environment that is not overcrowded (1.5m2 at least per calf in a pen) and ensuring food and water requirements are met. Enrichment toys, brushes scratch mats can also reduce stress.

Shed Preparation

• Ensure pens are free from draughts where possible, but allow ventilation to prevent ammonia build up (a gap at the top of shed walls is ideal)
• Clean pens prior to calving - water blast and disinfect before laying down new bedding
• Ensure bedding is dry and free draining, layer new bedding on top as required (recommended at least weekly)
• Ensure calves have access to clean water, feed and fibre
• Clean milk lines (hot soapy water) and scrub feeders after each feed

Best Practise:

• Ensure you don't rotate calves through pens
• Ensure only your farm staff go into the pens
• Disinfect footwear with mats and boot cleaners
• If you have sick calves, separate them out and preferably downwind in case they are contagious. Feed them last to minimise germs transfer
• Record treatments, identify and tag calves for tracking

Blitz Captive Bolt & Activators

The Captive Bolt device is used for safe and humane destruction of animals, from bobby calves to downer cows and pigs.

• Does not require user to have gun licence
• Uses powerful 9mm centrefire blank cartridges for high-velocity penetration
• Simple design and fewer internal parts for easy maintenance
• Leading captive bolt device sold globally
• Manufactured by Blitz Kerner in Germany
• Serviced by Shoof
• Four sizes of activators available for different sizes & types of animals
• Selection of appropriate activator & correct positioning ensures effective stun
• Secondary kill method recommended by DairyNZ (e.g. pithing road or bleed out)
• Supplied in carry case with cleaning kit and spaces for activator cartridge containers

Fonterra NZ has introduced changes on farm, requiring all calves now have a 'useful life' as part of its supply document.

This means that bobby calves must now either be raised as a beef animal, be slaughtered for the emerging rose veal market or for the pet food market. Calves (and cows) can still be euthanised for health reasons.

Veterinary Book for Cattle Farmers

Get comprehensive insights on veterinary procedures for dairy, beef, and dry stock farms from renowned Taranaki veterinarian Cathy Thompson BVSc, who has more than 30 years experience. This book is complete with instructive text and close-up photographs, providing a realistic look at real-life farming.

• Comprehensive guide for all veterinary procedures
• Features close-up photos for clear understanding
• Written by a renowned Taranaki veterinarian
• Essential resource for dairy and beef farmers
• First-aid and explanations for common conditions
• Safety and handling tips
• Stories of real situations on farm
• Over 800 photos!