Pre-calving management and good planning are key building blocks for suckler success

WITH 70% of suckler cows calving in the months February to April, most suckler cows are now in mid or late pregnancy. Pre-calving management and preparing for calving are hugely important in order to avoid problems in the coming months. Management aspects to be considered include:

Stocking rate in pens: Most suckler cows are housed by now. As the calf foetus grows, so too does the space required by suckler cows. If pens are overstocked, cow performance will suffer. This is due partly to restricted movement in pens reducing free access to forage and reducing intakes.

Body condition score (BCS): Spring calving suckler cows need to be at BCS 2.5 at calving. Suckler cows should be divided and fed according to their BCS status. Over-fat cows may experience calving difficulties while thin cows may suffer depressed milk yield and may be delayed returning to heat for the next breeding season. 

Restrict feed to fat cows, while thin cows may need concentrates in order to meet their BCS target at calving time. Grouping cows on body condition will allow feeding levels to be targeted to nutritional demand. The ideal situation is where cows can be split into three groups – cows in excessive condition that can be restricted; cows in ideal body condition and fed to maintain that; and under-fleshed cows requiring preferential treatment. Shy feeders, older cows in the herd and first calvers will likely be in this latter group.               

It is important to act early – there is little point trying to starve cows or pump cows up in the weeks approaching calving in the hope of getting cows into the required body condition. Cow condition need to be monitored right throughout the winter so that cows are fit and not fat before calving.

Parasites: Fluke and lice are the most troublesome parasite of mature suckler cows. Well fed, healthy cows should have strong immunity to worms. All housed cows should have been treated for fluke at this stage with products that are effective against immature and adult flukes. If treating cows now, consult your vet on the best product to use. When treating for lice, make sure to cover all the stock in the shed at the one time. 

Mineral/trace element supplementation: Silage is generally well balanced in major minerals but is deficient in trace elements such as Copper, Selenium and Iodine. Pre-calving mineral licks (in buckets) can be offered to cows 4 to 6 weeks prior to calving. Alternatively, if feeding a coarse ration, a dry cow mineral mix can be sprinkled on the ration or silage at a rate of 100grams per head/day for 4 to 6 weeks before calving. Compound rations will contain minerals. 

Vaccination: Where there has been scour outbreaks in young calves in the past, vaccines can be used in combination with good nutrition and hygiene to combat these infections. Vaccines against E.coli, Rotavirus, Coronavirus and Salmonella will give passive immunity to calves via colostrum. These vaccines generally have to be given 1-3 months prior to calving to be effective so may sure you give them on time.

Calving area: Good hygiene is all important. Have calving boxes power washed and disinfected (1 calving box per 10 cows). Ensure sufficient straw is in store. Don’t skimp on straw for very young calves.

Safety: Cows have a strong maternal instinct and can become aggressive in protecting their calves immediately after calving. Ensure cows are safely secured. Check out calving gate to see if it works properly and is secure. Cows showing prolonged calving aggression should be culled and slaughtered after weaning the calf.

*Anthony O’Connor is a Teagasc Adviser, Galway/Clare Regional Unit. Comments to anthony.oconnor@teagasc.ie