Calving Supplies
Be fully prepared for calving season with our Calving Supplies collection at Zoar’s Ark. Whether you manage beef or dairy cattle, find essential equipment such as colostrum, calving ropes, hobbles, bottles and calving aids. Stocking the right items ahead of time helps ensure smoother births and healthier calves, while reducing stress for both the animal and the farmer.
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Calving season demands preparation, precision, and calm handling. Having all your equipment ready helps ensure safe deliveries, minimises stress, and supports calf vitality. From birth assistance tools to post-calving care, our Calving Supplies range provides reliable essentials trusted by farmers across the UK.
Preparing for Calving Season
Before the first signs of labour, it’s crucial to gather and inspect all necessary equipment. Calving ropes, hobbles, and calving aids should be checked for strength and cleanliness. Keep disinfectant, lubricant, and gloves close by, along with plenty of clean towels and buckets of warm water. Preparing early can make the difference between a smooth calving and a stressful emergency.
Birth Assistance Equipment
When a cow experiences difficulty during birth, having the right tools is essential. Calving ropes and mechanical aids provide controlled assistance to guide the calf safely. Always work carefully and only intervene when confident it’s safe to do so. Proper handling protects both the cow and calf from unnecessary strain, supporting a better outcome for the herd.
Post-Calving Care
Once the calf is born, time is critical. Ensuring the calf receives colostrum within the first few hours supports immunity and overall health. Feeding bottles and teats allow for quick and hygienic feeding when needed. For the cow, maintaining hygiene and comfort reduces infection risk and aids recovery. Fresh bedding, clean pens, and proper monitoring are all vital at this stage.
Hygiene and Health Essentials
Cleanliness around the calving area plays a major role in preventing illness. Use disinfectant and iodine solutions for cleaning equipment and treating the calf’s navel. Wearing long gloves and using adequate lubricant helps prevent contamination during assistance. Keeping these hygiene standards high benefits both current and future calvings.
Supporting Calf Development
Strong starts lead to healthy herds. Beyond birth, ensure calves stay warm, dry, and protected from draughts. Adequate nutrition, hydration, and shelter help maintain steady growth in the crucial early weeks. Attention to these early needs results in stronger animals and smoother weaning later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I have ready before calving begins?
You’ll need calving ropes, a head snare or aid, lubricant, gloves, disinfectant, towels, a clean bucket of warm water, and a feeding bottle with colostrum replacer.
How soon should a calf receive colostrum?
A calf should receive colostrum within two to three hours after birth to absorb antibodies that support early immunity.
How can I keep the calving area clean?
Regularly disinfect surfaces, replace bedding after each calving, and clean equipment immediately after use to prevent bacteria build-up.
When should I call for veterinary assistance?
If the cow is in labour for over an hour without progress, or if there are signs of distress in the cow or calf, contact a vet immediately.
