Across the UK, autumn marks the start of calving season which means you will be starting to ensure you have the right essentials for a successful calving process.
In this blog, we tell you about the essential items you will need for assisting with births and nurturing newborn livestock.
When your cattle start the calving process, it’s important to ensure you have everything on hand to support the successful delivery of your newborns. We recommend using:
Calving Ropes and calving Aid: Calving ropes are invaluable for assisting with a difficult birth. A ratchet-style calving aid can provide additional assistance if needed, helping to safely guide the calf into the world.
Disinfectant and cleaning supplies: Cleanliness is paramount during calving. Have disinfectant ready for sanitising calving equipment, as well as a clean bucket and cloths for if your cattle need washing.
Halter for restraint: To ensure both the cow and individual assisting with the calving remain safe, a halter can be used to safely restrain your livestock when necessary.
Lubricant and long gloves: Lubricant is essential for easing the calf's passage through the birth canal. Long gloves protect your hands and help maintain hygiene throughout the process.
Calving hurdles: IAE calving hurdles are extremely useful for assisted calving. These allow you to create a safe and controlled environment for the cow and individuals supporting the births.
Navel spray: To ensure you calves have the best start to life, use an iodine-based navel spray on the calf's umbilical cord immediately after birth. This simple step can help reduce the risk of infection and ensure the calf gets off to a healthy start.
During the days following the births, calves will require additional care to ensure they remain healthy and grow into champion livestock. Add to your calving toolkit:
Castration rings and pliers: If you plan to castrate male calves, ensure you have castration rings and pliers. Castrating early is often recommended to reduce stress on the calf and make the procedure simpler.
Dehorning products: Depending on your farm's practices and preferences, you may need dehorning products. This could include dehorner's tools, local anaesthetic for pain relief, and dehorning paste. Remember to follow recommended guidelines for dehorning to minimize discomfort for the calf.
Needles and syringes: In the case of dehorning or other medical procedures, you'll need needles and syringes. Ensure you have the appropriate sizes and follow proper veterinary guidance.
With two stores located in Longborough and Thame, we are renowned for our extensive stocks of livestock essentials. Our dedicated team are extremely proud to offer FREE delivery (within 50 miles) to all customers. Check your postcode here to find out if you qualify for free delivery.
For more information about our calving essentials or to learn more about StowAg’s products, contact our team at 01451 830 400 (Longborough) & 01844 463 400 (Thame).