Tina Kohlman
Superior calf performance begins during the birthing process in the maternity pen.
Based on the 2017 USDA NAHMS Survey, five to seven percent of all newborn calves are stillborn or die within the first 48 hours.
To improve calf survival after birth, we must follow practical, consistent calving protocols and provide a clean, dry calving environment. As caretakers we need to understand the calving process so we can identify early when a cow is in distress and needs intervention or assistance in calving. Finally, the use of a calf vitality score can be used to identify early calves that have strong or low vitality.