Iowa State University beef specialists have developed a calf flow plan that they have used in problem herds. A calving area for cows currently calving. A post-calving area for cows that have calved and both the calf and cow are healthy. Cows should go from the pre-calving area into the calving pen to calve. Any calves that are not healthy or calves that were born assisted and are still sluggish should go to the sick post-calving pen.
Healthy pairs go to the healthy post-calving pen.
Once the pairs have left the calving area, they should not return to the calving area. Typically, we see a higher incidence of scours later in the season as a result of the build-up of these pathogens. It is important to clean out the calving area and put fresh bedding in periodically. I heard Dr. Greg Kurtz from Hagerstown, IN speak at a meeting and he suggests that his clients have two calving areas. I thought that was a great idea.