Million Dollar Babies

From the beginning of February to the middle of April, it is calving season at the Wise Maine-Anjou Ranch, every cattleman’s favourite time of year. Right. Well maybe not favourite, but definitely one of the most important times of the year. Calving is when our 100 cows give birth to baby calves. Once born, the cows nurse them and raise them.

Before calving begins, our cows are put out on a quarter section of pasture. When the cows are out in pasture, they often have to walk anywhere from a quarter mile to a half mile to water, which keeps them in good condition while in calf. When the first cows are due to calve within the week, they are brought in to stay in a maternity pen and stay in the barn at night. It is important that the cows are brought in to the warm barn on the -30 degree nights, because a calf can be born at any time and can't survive in the cold. Calves in the cold can be subject to all sorts of problems- they can get frost bite and lose parts of their ears and tail, and being too cold can result in death. But once warm weather comes around, the threat of frozen babies diminishes. When it is very warm, cows don't necessarily need to be inside the barn, but can be comfortable in a bedded shed outside.

                                 A cow and calf cozy in the barn on a chilly night.                   

Comfy in the shed on a warm Spring day.

The rancher has many responsibilities when it comes to calving. We must check the cows periodically throughout the day and night to make sure that the calves are delivered with no problems and that the momma's are doing their role- cleaning the babies and letting them suck. It is imperative that the calves get up and suck right away, as they need to receive momma's milk. The milk they produce right after they calve is called Colostrum. It is full of protein and antibodies. This keeps the calf from getting sick and be able to grow into a strong baby.

New baby up to suck from mamma.

The 2 AM cow checks are not what we look forward too. However technology has made that part easy. Many cattlemen have a closed circuit T.V. system. Basically, cameras are set up in the calving barn and the video is shown on televisions. Having a close eye on our cattle makes it easy as we don't necessarily have to go out in the cold every 2 hours. My family has had this T.V. system since the early 1970's. It's truly a great invention.

It's not always an easy time though. Many problems can occur before the calf is even born. Malpresentations happen where a calf may be backwards, upside down, or have its' head turned around in the cow's uterus. Cows may have a difficult time giving birth and the rancher will have to pull the calf their selves. Sometimes, the calf may be too large altogether or there may be other problems and the vet may have to show up to perform a caesarean section. Not fun. But we do all we can to deliver a calf safely to ensure its health and its mamma's. It is also our job to make sure clean bedding is set out everyday to keep the cows and calves cozy a dry.

It is important that cattlemen have a successful calving season, as these calendar year calves will go on the become replacement heifers, market animals, and breeding bulls, in our herd or someone elses. These babies will be the cattlemen's profit. This year was an easy and successful calving season, as we lost no calves or cows, and had only 3 sets of twins. Calving season can have its ups and downs, but it is an exciting time of year for all!

                                             Enjoying a little nap nestled in the straw.