Checking springers

Most farms arrange for them to be checked at least every 6 hours and sometimes more often, especially in poor weather.

Check springers for signs of labour regularly, quietly, and thoroughly and record what you observe.

Quietly

Walk quietly through the springer mob – when cows are feeding is best. Don’t walk through the mob when cows are hungry and are waiting to be moved to fresh grass or a new break. Look for cows that are showing signs of labour and try not to disturb them.

Regularly

Check cows at least four times a day. Create a routine for springer checks.

Thoroughly

Check all areas of the paddock, and depending how good the fencing is, check the paddocks next door as well. Check drains, hollows, long grass, hedges – anywhere a calf could be hiding.

Record

Note the number of any cow or heifer that has started to show signs of calving, or has calved, and report to your team so you can keep an eye on her progress.

Early signs of labour

• Springing up - swelling of udder

• Milk dripping from teats

• Mucus string from vulva

• Restlessness

Stages of labour

Calving will progress at different rates for different cows. Some may show many signs whereas others may show very few signs.

Generally, labour can be broken into three stages: preparation for labour, delivery, and cleaning.

Preparation for labour

Look for these signs when observing springers:

• isolated from herd and reduced appetite.

• pelvic ligaments relaxed - vulva looks swollen and flabby

• dip between tailhead and pin-bones

• tummy less full as calf moves into birth canal/birthing position

• mothering other cows' calves

• discomfort - swishing tall, arched back, restless, peeing, kicking and nosing at her side, tail raising.

• straining/contractions

• water bag protruding

Delivery