Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 18:48:46 GMT -5
It is still a month away, but my goodness, how a month can fly by at this time of year on the farm! This month marked 17 years since we purchased our first group of heifers, and the learning experience never ends - I still have a stack of papers containing over twelve months of herd data/observations sitting here waiting to be compiled and filed away.
As we approach this year's calving season, I'm looking for ways to improve our calving/post-calving problem preparedness plan. Even though calving difficulties have become increasingly rare in our herd, every now and then I see something that leads me to believe we need to be prepared for the unexpected. As we all know, calving-ease bulls are not a cure-all for problems during calving. So often, you walk away from a difficult calving situation and think "We need to be more prepared for these situations", and then as the experience fades from your memory, you put off the idea........ Until something else happens. Last year, after watching Joy give birth to Sprite (no pun intended here), I began thinking "What if she had needed assistance, what would I have done? No equipment close at hand, the vet is 40 minutes or more away....." Beef cattle have probably gained somewhat of a reputation for requiring less assistance during calving than dairy cattle, but that's no excuse for not having some basic necessities available should problems arise. So this year, I'm making it a priority to have a simple, yet workable, setup ready for the unexpected during calving. And I'll list what I've come up with below.
This isn't for calving, but I took a dry-box (think tackle box with a seal in the lid to keep things dry) and will use it to keep the following on hand:
- Calf halter
- Tag applicators and tags
- Elastrator bands, etc.
I will probably add a thermometer to this kit.
Here's where some advice could be helpful:
If you created a "obstetrical kit" to fit in a five-gallon bucket, what would you put in it? Keep in mind we're talking about beef cattle and about a mile from home. Here's what I've come up with so far:
- OB chain (60") and handles
- OB gloves
- Soap
- ........... I'm still thinking.... What would you add?
Also, I'm wanting to setup a calving/post-calving pen that's small and compact, yet not too small. What size would you recommend?
One more thing, is there any natural alternative to these synthetic obstetrical lubricants? I have a tube (never opened) of long-expired lubricant, but it has ingredients that doesn't seem like the best to be sticking up the reproductive tract of your cow.
I'll add more thoughts or questions later, but we'll start here. Thanks all!