Overfat cows appear to have increased dystocia because of a fat-filled birth canal and increased abnormal presentations. Thin cows do not have the strength to withstand the birth process and generally have weaker, non-vigorous calves. Calving Management Calving is a very intensive time for the cow-calf producer. Hiring extra labor can pay in terms of live calves and pounds of calf weaned. Many calf diseases start in the calves that fail to receive adequate colostrum.
Colostrum is high in antibodies, energy and other nutrients.
The antibodies absorbed protect calves from most infections until their immune systems becomes functional in two to three weeks. The calf that has a difficult birth or has not had an opportunity to nurse within four hours should be fed colostrum. Colostrum can be milked from the cow and fed with a nipple bottle or an esophageal feeder. Each hour after birth a calf fails to nurse decreases the amount of antibody absorbed by the calf. A supply of frozen colostrum can be a life saver for an injured, severely chilled or abandoned calf.