Calving Basics: Getting Started Right

Calving Basics: Getting Started Right

From Lil Hooves Podcast by Kelly Anderson

March 10, 2026 · 1h 7m · Season 3 · Episode 4

About this episode

Kelly and Becky share practical tips for a smooth calving process and handling common complications.

Are you preparing for your first calving season or dealing with a first-time calver? In this episode, Kelly and Becky share practical tips for a smooth calving process, recognizing signs of labor, and handling common complications confidently. Broke down for newbies, this episode provides essential insights to ensure healthy deliveries and happy calves .Key Topics: Understanding the normal timeline of a cow’s pregnancy (283 days) and how to track due dates using gestation charts Signs that indicate labor is imminent: tail kink, relaxed muscles, mucus discharge, and pin drops Setting up a calving or tagging box with necessary supplies: palp gloves, OB chains, towels, iodine, and vaccines Step-by-step process of assisting with calving: when to intervene, how to check foot presentation, and the importance of working with contractions Recognizing abnormal presentations: breech, upside-down hooves, or twins, and calling the vet immediately How to safely help calves that are backward, stuck, or require manual assistance Post-birth care: cleaning the calf, ensuring they nurse, passing the afterbirth, and potential complications like prolapse or retained placenta Managing first-time…

People in this episode

Host: Kelly Anderson

Guest: Becky

Topics covered

  • calving process
  • first-time calvers
  • labor signs
  • calf care
  • complications
  • pregnancy tracking

Keywords

  • calving basics
  • cow pregnancy
  • labor signs
  • calf delivery
  • first-time calvers
  • calving supplies
  • post-birth care

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