Is it calving season yet?

For many, calving season is already under way. But on my family's ranch we are patiently waiting for the first calf to arrive. Calving season is my favorite time of the year with the excitement of new born calves and the joy of new life all around you. However it can also get stressful if you are caught unprepared and your calves get sick

SCOURGAURD 4KC

In the weeks leading up to the due date for the cows, we have been busy getting ready for baby calves to arrive. One of the first things my family does is vaccinate all the cows. We give the cows a Scourguard 4KC shot that will help prevent the calves from getting diarrhea. You can learn more about Scourguard 4KC at https://www.zoetisus.com/products/beef/scourguard-4kc.aspx.

Electrolytes

When the calves do arrive, there is still a chance they could get scours even after vaccinating the cow. If a calf starts scouring, the calf will become dehydrated. As ranchers we always want to have electrolytes on hand. Electrolytes are given to scouring calves to help re-hydrate them. Based on the calf's condition, you must decide how much to give the calf. You can use guidelines such as the ones found at http://www.milkproduction.com/Library/Scientific-articles/Calf-Management/Scouring-calves-Oral-rehydration/. You must watch the calf and help make sure he gets back to health.

Along with preparing to fight scours, we also take measures to prepare for calving. The barns are bedded with straw, the calving pen set up and supplies gathered. The calving boxes get filled with tags and OB gloves.

And once the first calf drops, your life gets crazy busy!