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Poll Highland Cattle - The Scottish Highland - without the horns!
Calving Calculation
Time of Service Due Date (283 days)1st Jan 10th Oct8 1715 2422 3129 7th Nov5th Feb 1412 2119 2826 5th Dec5th Mar 1212 1919 2626 2nd Jan2nd April 99 1616 2323 3030 6th Feb7th May 1314 2021 2728 4th Mar4th June 1311 20 18 2725 3rd Apr 2 July 109 1716 2423 1st May30 8 6th Aug 1513 22 20 2927 5th June3rd Sept 12 10 1917 2624 3rd July1st Oct 108 17 15 2422 3129 7th Aug5th Nov 14 12 2119 28 26 4th Sept 3rd Dec 11 10 1817 2524 2nd Oct31 9
Calving Help
When To Help And When Not To Help?
Highlands are truly easy calving. Birth weights of 60-75 pounds, calves' moderate bone structure and slim conformation along with the cow's wide pelvic structure reduce birthing problems such as Caesarean and prolapse. However, even when they deliver a problem-free, healthy calf, you still may want to give it some extra protection (see "after calf is born"). It never hurts to be prepared in the event a cow does need a little help from you on occasion. The best preparation is knowing what is "normal", what you should expect, then knowing when to help, and when not to help. Also in determining whether it's something you can do yourself, or if you feel more comfortable calling the vet. If you can look for some of these signs, you will at least know what to tell you vet when you call him. Disclaimer: The following is given for informational purposes only. You must use your own judgment in how to apply this to your own situation, and by all means, consult with your vet if you anticipate any problems. A dead calf will cost you more than a vet call.Stage 1 - Mucous plug - Clear discharge (usually means calving within 48 hours)- Contractions 15 minutes apart - (will last from 2 to 8 hours) - Appearance of water sacStage 2 (will last from 30 minutes to 4 hours) - Water sac- Contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart (then)- Contractions 1 to 3 minutes apart- Cow may take a 5 to 10 minute break after the head is deliveredIntervention Required When - - Water sac visible for 2 hours and she is not trying to deliver.- Trying for 30 minutes to 1 hour and not making progress. - Bleeding from rectum - Swelling of calf's tongue- Stops trying for 15 to 20 minutes - Abnormal presentationPrior To Pulling Calf- Wash & sanitize with solution of warm water antiseptic or dish soap- Manually dilate birth canal for 2 to 10 minutes- Drop cow on her right side (use a rope around hind quarters)- Hook chains just above joint, then half hitch on lower leg- Pull lower leg first to "walk" shoulder through, then pull other leg & shoulder.- Pull straight out, only when cow is pushing- Allow chest to expand and breathe (continual pulling will suffocate calf)- Rotate calf 45 to 90 degrees to allow hips to pass through.After Calf Is Born - Wait until cow has licked off calf, giving them time to bond, and wait until the calf has nursed if possible.- Weigh calf - weigh yourself first, then pick up calf and subtract your weight from total - Inject calf with 3 to 5 cc's of Bo-Se (selenium) if in a selenium deficient area to prevent white-muscle disease. - Iodine navel - if the navel is real long, cut it with a scissors to 2 - 3 inches. Put iodine in a syringe (without the needle), and and use the syringe to get the iodine right inside the remaining navel cord, along with some on the outside where attached to the calf.Preparations If Problems Are Expected - - clock to watch the timing - dish soap - hot water (gallon)- iodine & syringe (without needle) to wash around naval if necessary- long gloves- OB straps/chains- phone number for vet
After Calf Is Born
Don't interfere to much once the calf is born.- Wait until cow has licked off calf, giving them time to bond, and wait until the calf has nursed if possible.If you want to know the weight of the calf - weigh yourself first, then pick up calf and stand on scales then subtract your weight from total .
If you don't see the calf drinking, keep an eye on it to make sure it does have a drink. Its "Poo" will change from black to yellow within 24 hours. Yellow poo means it has had a drink. If you don't think the calf has had a drink in the first 24 hours,
If you don't see the calf drinking, keep an eye on it to make sure it does have a drink. Its "Poo" will change from black to yellow within 24 hours. Yellow poo means it has had a drink. If you don't think the calf has had a drink in the first 24 hours,