ADVANCED CALVING AND LAMBING MANAGEMENT

The ability of cows and ewes to give birth efficiently and to produce high levels of good quality colostrum and milk is critical to the survival and growth of offspring and to the future reproductive ability of the dam.

Cows and ewes undergo a number of critical hormonal and physiological changes in the period leading up to and during calving and lambing.

These changes significantly reduce their ability to mobilise and absorb the levels of critical nutrients (such as calcium and energy) that they require to both give birth and to produce milk at peak efficiency.

In some cases, the effects of these changes on nutrient mobilisation are so severe that they can result in Milk Fever and Pregnancy Toxaemia.

In addition, the dams ability to resist infections can be significantly compromised and this may be associated with an increased incidence of teat and uterine infections, as well as parasitic infestations.

Cows and ewes that are unable to mobilise and absorb the levels of critical nutrients that they require leading into and during calving and lambing are much more likely to:

• Have difficult or lazy births;
• Produce lower quality and quantities of the colostrum needed to ensure the health and survival of newborn progeny. (This is compounded if dams have not been properly vaccinated);
• Produce less milk early in lactation and have lower progeny growth and weaning weights;
• Incur losses associated with higher rates of parasitic and other infections;
• Cycle less strongly and be less fertile at the next joining.

Livestock Central can advise you on some cost effective and readily implementable management and nutritional strategies that can significantly improve the performance of both dams and offspring during birth and lactation.

Please Contact Us today for more specific information and advice on how our Advanced Management Protocols can help you maximise the health and survival of dams and their offspring during the critical calving / lambing and lactation.