The first 24 hours of a beef calf’s life are the most vulnerable.
During the Beef Cattle Research Council’s webinar, Early Calf Life Survival, Dr. Roger Richard of Shoal Lake Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Claire Windeyer from University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine and Heidi Bennett with W.A. Ranches discussed navigating calving and the critical early life stages of beef calves to give them their best start.
The discussion provided practical, science-based tips for improving calf survivability, starting with cow health before calving and managing birth through the first few weeks of a calf’s life.
The panel emphasized how intentional, proactive management can minimize losses and boost productivity in beef herds.
Conception to Calving: Set Them Up for Success
Dr. Richard opened the webinar by emphasizing the importance of preparing protocols and supplies before calving begins. Having a plan to prevent a health wreck, and how to address one if it does happen, eases the mental burden during a busy calving season.
Key pre-calving preparation steps include:
- Pre-breeding vaccination of cows and heifers (e.g., IBR, BVD, BRSV, scours)
- Monitoring body condition scores and nutrition (especially at pregnancy checks)
- Establishing calving/processing/treatment protocols
- Gathering necessary supplies before calving starts including gloves, chains, disinfectant, oxytocin and a calf puller
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