Calving Heifers

[Rod]

My first bred heifer group is coming due soon, and this is my first go around with heifers( I've heard nightmares by the way). I've got two that have swelled up quite a bit in the rear but have not bagged up all that much yet. Is that normal and does that mean they're pretty close to calving even though they've not really bagged up yet?
I travel on Wednesdays and Thursdays and wasn't sure if it was time to start keep a closer eye on them while I'm gone. Any other useful info on heifers would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rod

 

[SPRINGER FARMS MURRAY GRE]

Being heifers,they might not bag up until late. If they are getting close to their due date it would pay to keep a closer watvh on them. :cboy:

 

[docgraybull]

Hope things go well for you and your cattle. Remember that calves were born to first calf heifers long before men started worrying about them! Swelling of the vulva and bagging up are good signs that delivery is coming soon, but not completely reliable. May swell for several days to a couple of weeks prior to delivery. May not swell until a few hours before delivery. May bag up nicely beforehand, and may not engorge until after delivery and suckling by the calf. Make sure they are in good condition, have access to plenty of clean water and appropriate mineral supplementation, and check them at least twice daily. Be ready to get one "up" in a pen or corral and assist if necessary. Don't wait until it's that time, to start figuring out where to take her, tie her, etc. Have the vet's number handy. Preparedness and careful observation will go a long ways in achieving good outcomes. And remember that the great majority of calves are born in good shape without any assistance; Just be ready. Good luck.

 

[G&L Cattle]

Hello Rod!
Its been my observation the cattle dont have calving problems near as much as they did a few years ago. My Dad agrees. I remember as a kid, me and my poor dad were always pulling calves. I guess its better genetics now. We're believing everything will be fine with your girls.

Be watchful!

G&L

 

[NY-JB]

ROD
FIRST CALF HEIFERSSOMETIMES DO NOT BAG UP UNTIL A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE AND THEY WILL SWELL UP A COUPLE OF WEEKS I NOW ON MY HEARD OF HEREFORDS THATS WHAT HAPPEN ASLO WORKING ON A DAIRY FARM FOR 7 YEARS IT TENDS TO BE THAT WAY A LOT AND YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROPLEMS AS FAR AS DAIRY COWS IF YOU USED A BULL THAT IS KNOWN TO PRODUCE LARGE CALVES YOU MIGHT RUN INTO A COUPLE OF PROBLEMS BUT NOTHING THAT BAD MAYBE YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO PULL SOME AND HOPE FOR NO NERVE DAMAGE GOOD LUCK