Calving

Calving is the birth of a calf, the end point of gestation in cattle and other bovids. It occurs after a gestation of about 283 days on average in dairy cattle, though individual ranges vary. Signs of approaching calving include udder development, waxing of teats, mucus discharge, restlessness, seeking isolation, and a drop in feed intake.

Labor progresses in three stages. Stage one is preparation, with mild contractions and restlessness lasting several hours. Stage two begins with strong contractions and the birth of the calf, rupture of the amniotic membranes, and delivery of the calf’s front feet followed by the head. Stage three is the passage of the placenta and closing of the birth process, typically within a few hours but up to eight.

Management emphasizes cleanliness, supervision, and timely assistance when needed. Farmers should ensure a clean calving area, access to clean water, and tools for obstetric assistance. Providing immediate neonatal care includes ensuring the calf nurses colostrum within the first hours, by manual or natural means, and treating the umbilicus with antiseptic.

Common complications include dystocia (difficult birth), retained placenta, and uterine prolapse; these require veterinary involvement. Prevention focuses on appropriate nutrition and body condition before calving, selecting appropriate sires to reduce calving difficulty, and enforcing good calving hygiene and monitoring.

After calving, routine checks for the cow’s health and the calf’s vigor are performed, and management often includes record keeping and vaccination schedules. Calving intervals and seasonality affect herd reproduction strategies in dairy and beef industries.