The Best in the Region
Calving
Mayfield Poll Highlands
Premier Poll Highland Cattle
Labour
Stage 1
Mucous plug – Clear discharge (usually means calving within 48 hrs)
– Contractions 15 minutes apart – (2 to 8 hours) – Appearance of water sac
Stage 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 delivered
Intervention Required
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 presentation
Prior To Pulling Calf
Wash & sanitize with solution of warm water antiseptic or dish soap
– Manually dilate birth canal for 2 to 10 minutes
– Once the cow is in the crush, when the cow is having contractions you can pull, but only when it is having contractions or –
– Drop cow on her right side (use a rope around hind quarters)
– Hook chains just above joint on the calf, 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.
If you aren’t confident in doing this, call the vet if it is not proceeding as time is of essence!
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.
Watch and make sure that the calf is drinking!
Within 24 hours the calf should have yellow Poo! (milk)
Premier Poll Highland Cattle
Pregnancy Dates
For the new breeder of highland cattle, or for any breed, please prepare yourself for the essentials. The main thing that is absolutely essential is you will need cattle yards, as there is no doubt that you will need them at some time, for drenching and handling of the cattle as one day, the yards may be needed for something serious.
Another thing to be aware of before you even buy your animals, make sure your fences will keep them in, particularly when they first arrive on your property, this will be when they will investigate their new boundaries and be somewhat nervous and aprehensive in their new environment.
When your cattle first arrive on your property, I suggest to leave them settle in the cattle yards for a few hours and give them some hay and water. After awhile, let them out to meet their new paddock friends and expect that there maybe a little shoving and pushing for a short time, then they will settle.
Over the next few days, when you see them, give them some hay and that way they will be interested in you coming to see them and giving them a treat.
Best of luck and enjoy.
Time of Service - 283 days
1st Jan
8
15
22
29
5th Feb
12
19
26
5th Mar
12
19
26
2nd April
9
16
23
30
7th May
14
21
28
4th June
11
18
25
2 July
9
16
23
30
6th Aug
13
20
27
3rd Sept
10
17
24
1st Oct
8
15
22
29
5th Nov
12
19
26
3rd Dec
10
17
24
31
Due Date
10th Oct
17
24
31
7th Nov
14
21
28
5th Dec
12
19
26
2nd Jan
9
16
23
30
6th Feb
13
20
27
4th Mar
13
20
27
3rd Apr
10
17
24
1st May
8
15
22
29
5th June
12
19
26
3rd July
10
17
24
31
7th Aug
14
21
28
4th Sept
11
18
25
2nd Oct
9