Calving

Standard calving protocols are developed and used by staff, who are trained on appropriate calving techniques. A sanitation program for calving equipment, facilities, calving assistance, and treatment of sick and scouring calves is in place.

Cows are checked frequently for calving difficulties and assisted early to avoid calving complications, such as nonambulatory animals (e.g., nerve paralysis).

Heifers, second calvers, and thin cows are fed separately prior to calving.

Calving records are maintained and include: calving date, cow and calf unique identification, calving ease, calf vitality, calf sex, breed, birth weight, sire, cow problems (e.g., maternal behaviour, milking ability), any treatments or deaths. All new-born calves are identified with a unique ear tag number at birth. A backup tag, preferably with the same ID number, or a tattoo is on hand.

Every effort is made to ensure calves receive 10% of their body weight (4.5 L) of colostrum in the first 12 hours after birth, either through suckling, stomach tubing or bottle feeding. Frozen colostrum is kept from cows, preferably from within the herd. The quality of the herd vaccination program is reflected in the quality of colostrum cows provide.

Bull calves intended for the feedlot are castrated using a humane and approved technique by trained staff, prior to six months of age.

Adequate space and bedding is provided to ensure the animals’ well-being and to reduce risk of disease.