02/08/08 Prepare for calving

It seems like it's always "that time of the year" on the ranch. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back in one minute to tell you what time of the year it is now. I can't believe it's that time of the year again. How many times have you heard that? Well, ranching seems like it is made up of time periods like winter feeding time, weaning time, haying time, turn-out time, fencing time or branding time. Right now a lot of ranches are getting close to calving time and some already have started spring calving. To go along with that a lot of the cattle production publications are running calving special sections. The articles include points on scour prevention, determining when a cow or heifer needs assistance in the birth process, nutritional needs of first-calf heifers and post-birth problems such as uterine prolapses. Two other items that are not usually part of general calving reminder articles covered ideas for young calf predator control and reducing the risk of cold weather abortions in your cowherd. The old standard article is always included in these special publications and that is how to prepare for calving season by having all the supplies and equipment needed, and reviewing a procedure plan when cows actually need help to deliver a calf. I have to admit that first calf from the young cows usually catches me a little off guard. But, I generally have a pretty good plan running smoothly by the time the last one calves, which is just in time for me to get rusty before next year's calving. I'm Jeff Keane.