Cow health
Getting ready for calving
What to prepare in the last weeks, what normal calving looks like, and when to call the vet.
4 min read
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.
In the last weeks
- Calving is about 283 days after service. Maziwa shows the expected date.
- Prepare a clean, dry, well-bedded place away from other animals.
- Keep your vet's number ready and ask what they want you to have at hand.
Signs she is close
- The udder fills and becomes firm; the teats may leak.
- The area around the tail head softens and sinks.
- She becomes restless, separates from the herd, lies down and gets up.
When to call the vet
Most cows calve on their own. Call your vet straight away if:
- she strains hard for more than 30 minutes with no progress;
- only the head, one leg, or the tail shows;
- more than two hours pass after the water bag appears;
- the afterbirth has not come out within 24 hours. Do not pull it.
After calving
- Make sure the calf drinks colostrum within the first hour.
- Record the calving in Maziwa. The cow's status changes to milking and her next heat date is worked out.
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.