Calving & Lambing

Parturition is inevitably a process which can cause pain and stress for both mother and baby. However, there are many things we can do to reduce this and control it when it does occur.

Good selection of genetics, such as easy calving bulls or lambing tups will reduce the number of oversized or mal presented young. The same is true when selecting breeding females with roomy pelvises. In cattle, pelvic scoring heifers is a relatively cheap and simple tool, which can help you to do this.

It’s a really good idea to have a calving or lambing plan in place for your farm and we can help with this. The plan will help you to decide when and how to intervene, make sure all the necessary equipment is ready and working and decide how best to manage mother and baby in the hours immediately after birth. A lot of research has been done recently, looking at improving survivability in neonatal animals and reducing disease in the mother. Using anti-inflammatory drugs, bicarbonate, calcium, and other medications under the appropriate circumstances will make a big difference.

Please call and ask to speak to one of our farm vets If you need any help or advice regarding your flock or herd.