Breeding, calving and the calf

In short

• The cycle is 21 days, heat lasts roughly 12–18 hours. The main sign: the cow stands when another one mounts her.
• The a.m.–p.m. rule: a cow seen in heat in the morning is served in the evening; seen in the evening, served next morning.
• Pregnancy 283 days (roughly 9 months and 10 days). Dry period 60 days before calving.
• Colostrum: 3–4 L in the first 2 hours, in all roughly 10 % of the calf's weight in the first 12 hours.
• Call the vet if there's no progress 30–60 minutes after the water bag or feet appear, if the presentation is wrong, or if the cleansing hasn't come away in 12–24 hours.
• A bull is not for a smallholding without experience and a proper pen. AI is safer and cheaper.

What's inside

Chapters

1. A cow's year
2. The heifer: when for the first time
3. Spotting heat
4. Artificial insemination
5. The bull: natural service and safety
6. Pregnancy: 283 days and the dry period
7. Getting ready for calving
8. Calving step by step
9. The first 24 hours: colostrum
10. The calf day by day
11. Calf problems
12. Common mistakes
13. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Service and calving table
• Heat and service record
• Calving record
• Calf diary
• Calf milk and feed calculator
• Breeding and calving calendar