Calving...How cold is too cold?

[redangus]

I know a lot depends on the cow & the size of the calf. How quick does she get the calf cleaned up & how fast does he get his tummy full. What is the threshold for danger concerning cold weather and calving?

I've heard below 25 at night and below 15 when the sun is shining is considered dangerous?

 

[cattle_gal]

25 at night that isn't bad at all. That's darn right warm. We've rarely had it that warm at night. The major factors are wind and snow. With out wind I check things out more at minus 10. With out intevention at minus 25 and lower they will feeze down. In the open with wind they can freeze down in the snow easier. And at what temp depends on how fast the wind is blowing and if there is no sunlight. Some of those knot heads are bound and determned to calve in the worse spot they can. Walk in snow dragging thier bellies and then calve. In the past calves that we tried to graph on to another cow the magic to cold to handle was minus 9. Shows how much mothers give warmth to their calves laying beside them.

 

[Bez]

Too many "what ifs"

Is there sheler from wind.

Is there shelter from rain / snow?

Is it wet or dry where the calf is born?

Is the cow a good mom or not?

And so on.

Have calved out in the open at minus 30 with few probs. Have calved out at just above freezing and had major trouble.

Conditions count more than the temp in my book.

Over to you.

Bez

 

[dun]

Problem is, if it's too cold or not, the old girl is going to pop whenever she wants. I've tried to encourage them to hold on for a day or two when the weather is supposed to be better. Never had a lick of success at it though.
It goes back to old deal about "You pays your money and you takes your chances"

dun

 

[DRB]

nothing scientific, but it seems that if there is an especially cold or wet night, that is when they calf...I wonder if the stress of bad weather encourages birth??

 

[jcissell]

I had one that froze when it was somewhere between 10 and 20 degrees and dry.

 

[Scotty]

nothing scientific, but it seems that if there is an especially cold or wet night, that is when they calf...I wonder if the stress of bad weather encourages birth??

Every stinking time.

Scotty