Giving birth to cows

05.07.2026

The 40-day period before and 60 days after calving is very important, and cows are much more sensitive at this time. During this period, it requires special care because it goes through many changes that can affect health, fertility, and productivity. Stresses that may occur during this time should not be underestimated.

When cows go through these 100 days, before and after calving without any problems, the cow will produce more milk during the lactation period, there will be fewer problems for herself and the farmer, and there will be no issues with future breeding.

Preparation for calving

To minimize stress as much as possible, cows should not be separated from the herd during the calving period. It is best if the calving pen is as large as possible, with straw bedding or other soft bedding material, so that the cow has visual contact with the other herd during calving.

Cows are very sensitive to infections during the calving process because the cervix opening may cause small wounds in the birth canal. All measures must be taken to ensure the most hygienic calving process possible.

Easy calvings

Heavy calves or large calves have a negative impact on the cow's health and take more time for the cow to recover. Heavy calves or large calves cause difficult calving, with a lot of stress, pain, a greater risk of infections, and other problems such as placental retention. Large calves can be caused by the genetics of the cow and the bull, not balancing the rations during the drying period, or a combination of both.

The calf grows very quickly during the last two weeks of pregnancy. A diet high in protein and energy at the end of pregnancy can increase the risk that calves will be too large. We must keep in mind that 95% of litters on a farm must be produced without the farmer's assistance. Assistance should only be given in cases where the calves are very large or when the calf is not in the proper position for farrowing (turned with its hind legs).

Food

• Avoid excessive foods during the drying period, especially during the first 5 weeks, Feed with silage or hay with good fiber structure, a small amount of concentrates,

• During the last 3 weeks of the drying period, cows should be fed corn silage and a small amount of concentrate. This portion should also be maintained for 3 weeks after calving

After birth

After the calf is born, we must ensure that the calf is breathing freely. Check the heartbeat regularly and check if it is breathing normally. When the calf shows no reaction, the calf's head should be moistened with cold water to activate it.

Standardincubation procedures

• Ensuring sufficient and hygienic space for incubation, with fresh straw

• When cows are sick, to prevent infections in cows and calves, use designated calving areas

• Clean and disinfect the cow's hindquarters before the calving process

• Never inspect a cow inside without cleaning and disinfecting her hands

• Do not check the cow too early. Allow the cervix to be opened first

• Use lubricant and make sure you have removed your nails, rings, and jewelry

• Use only clean equipment during the calving process.

To remove mucus from the lungs, calves can be hung upside down. I move the front legs to the sides to massage the heart. When the calf is breathing on its own, dry the calf or let the cow dry it on its own. It is recommended that the calf leaves the mother within 24 hours. Make sure the calf has a warm environment during cold weather. When temperatures are below 10^°C, calves need warmth to ensure they can dry without any problems. If the ambient temperature is low, then the calf's temperature will drop very quickly, which negatively affects the calf's health.

Keeping calves for breeding

Farmers keep young calves to replace cows that are in lactation. Old cows will be replaced with new calves. For example, the average replacement rate of old cows in the Netherlands is about 30%. This means that on a farm of 100 cows, 30 dairy cows will be at the first location (heifer). However, if there are some failures during the rearing of heifers, then we need more than 30 new calves to produce 30 heifers. In general, farmers should have at least 25% of the cow overhaul on their farms.