Calving is my favorite event to occur in ranch life. No doubt about it. I’ve written about the good and bad during calving season. There’s nothing that compares for me. That probably has something to do with how I ended up going to college studying Reproduction Physiology.
I found this video of a cow giving birth to twins in some old files and I figured it was as good a time as any to share.
Across the country there are two distinct seasons in which the majority of calves will be born. We signify them as Fall and Spring – even though cattle will be born any day of the year. For many farmers across the country, the Fall calving season is beginning and we’ll be seeing many new calves hit the ground in the next few months.
It’s important to keep an eye out for weak cows giving birth. After this year’s drought, cows on the thin side might need supplemental energy or have a mineral imbalance that could cause exhaustion while giving birth. Also watch for calves born with a lack of vigor. There is also concern of shortened gestation periods during or after a drought period according to Mizzou Extension.
Most of the cattle here in Tennessee are born in the Spring months, but there are a few Fall calving herds spread around – like this young calf born earlier this week.
What time of year are most of the calves born in your region? What other livestock are giving birth this time of year?
