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| Buddy Boy, now 8 days old, was heavier at birth than his owners had expected based on past history of both his dam (mother) and sire (father). Research suggests if a pregnant animal is exposed to cold temperatures, heavier birth weights may result. No one can dispute that this winter has been colder than normal. But how could the cold be responsible for the increased size of newborn calves? This phenomena was first observed in shorn sheep. The answer may lie in the fact that when it is cold, blood flow to the uterus increases, allowing the fetus to obtain increased nutrients and greater growth.
The specialists at the Iowa Beef Center, our “go to” source for every aspect of beef production, cite research suggesting that for every 1 degree below the average winter temperatures, birth weights can increase by 1 lb. This has cow-calf producers being extra vigilant this calving season.
Increased birth weights in mature cows aren't usually a big concern, but they do present the possibility of more difficult births. This combination of potentially higher birth weights with miserable weather conditions, has producers checking cows more frequently and intervening sooner with assisted births. These concerns are even greater for heifers.
In addition, cows run a higher risk of being energy deficient due the diversion of nutrients to the fetus caused by the season's frigid temperatures. This means cows could be weaker and lack strong contractions while calving. Therefore, the birth process may become prolonged with the cows experiencing fatigue more easily. Longer delivery times can also result in newborn calves being weak and less vigorous. These scenarios require an even more watchful eye on the part of cow-calf producers and the potential for increased interventions. Already overburdened with the unfavorable calving conditions caused by heavy snow cover and chilling rains, producers must be ready to assist sooner in the calving process, and then follow up by making sure the calf is totally dry and able to nurse successfully.
We salute all those cow-calf producers who are going the extra mile this winter to provide top notch care to their herds. We know it feels much more like a marathon than a mile. Thank you for being there for the long haul.
#yourwednesdaywhy
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Calves born dead?
