Calving season is just around the corner or has already arrived for many. Preparing in advance, particularly for those facing inclement weather, will position producers to successfully address the needs of calves and avoid “calfcicles” in frigid temperatures.
Even before delivery, evaluating calving locations and facilities is a good place to start. Areas should be clean and dry. Consider providing shelters for animals to escape the weather. However, remember that as animals congregate, there can be an increase in disease contamination and transmission. Excellent on-site facilities or the ability to transport to a veterinary clinic is essential when addressing calving problems.
Remember to discuss your calving plan with your veterinarian. Build a relationship with your veterinarian well before a 2 am emergency calving call. Due to high demand, many veterinary practices will only accept emergencies from existing clients. Your veterinarian can work with you and your team to develop protocols for handling calving issues, especially during the cold.
At calving, heifers that labor in Stage 2 of parturition for longer than an hour, and cows that labor longer than 30 minutes, should be examined immediately. Be certain that calving equipment is clean, functional, and readily accessible. Your veterinarian can also help you develop essentials for a calving kit with critical items and medications.
Following delivery, the goal is to see the calf up and nursing as soon as possible. Delays in a calf receiving colostrum have both short and long-term impact on the immune system and in many cases set calves up for failure. Ideally, a calf should receive colostrum within the first two hours of life. Administering colostrum to calves without a suckle reflex using an esophageal feeder should be done with extreme caution due to the increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Milking the dam or maintaining a supply of frozen colostrum are the best options for colostrum replacement.
Although recent arrivals are potentially most susceptible, even older, sick calves fail to tolerate extreme temperatures. Calves should be evaluated at least daily for signs of illness. The best way to monitor a calf’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer. Inexpensive digital thermometers work well and make it easy to evaluate progress when warming the calf is needed. If a calf’s temperature falls below 100 degrees F, gradually raise that temperature. Bring the calf indoors and out of the elements if needed. When used appropriately, warm water baths, blankets, and warming boxes are all options to rewarm a calf.
Be careful not to damage the skin of the animal by either rubbing too vigorously or placing the animal close to heaters. Additionally, if the calf is brand new, do not wash off the odor of amniotic fluid. This helps prevent rejection by the dam. Treatment of “calfcicles” often goes well beyond just warming.
Evaluating and correcting the underlying cause of a calf’s low temperature is key, especially if there is an infectious agent, such as those that can cause diarrhea, contributing to the condition. Oral or intravenous fluids, as advised by a veterinarian, can assist in warming and addressing internal fluid deficits. The metabolic state, including glucose levels and acid-base balances, should be considered. Medications to treat symptoms and nutrition for calves should not be overlooked. Intensive care of some calves and veterinary hospitalization may be needed depending on the value of the animal.
Early detection and interventions of frozen “calfcicles,” along with working with your veterinarian to develop protocols before calving season, can reduce stress and lead to more successful outcomes during calving season.
Source: Drovers, Rosslyn Biggs DVM, February 17, 2025 12:32 PM
