Night Time Calving

[farmers_son]

Saw this piece on Ropin the Web re night time calving:

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq8181

We have been feeding late in the day at calving time for many years now and it sure seems to work for us. I still see people feeding calving cows in the morning though. What do you do.

[grassfarmer]

We start calving about April 20th, cows on banked grass so they feed themselves. Check and tag about 3 times a day, otherwise leave cows well alone and let them do what they do best uninterrupted.

[per]

We start calving April 1 on banked grass. Cows will have free choice hay until the grass is growing good and then on to GFs protocol. Also check and tag 3 or 4 times a day and unless we are experiencing winter weather they are not seen at night.

[perfecho]

calving right now,(just getting started)and just about to head out for my last check until probably about 8:00am tomorrow morning. (Lazy, that's why I chose Gelbvieh;-)
My job is to feed and keep them from ugly weather, so I normally bring in the closest 20-30 at night (into a 40 X 100 hay shed that is closed in other than a doorway)and leave them alone.
Although I feed mostly AM, if I have a meeting or something with the kids I may feed later, and I find most of the girls calve during the day time. Seem to have very few between the midnight and 6:am scenario. The last week or so has been a real treat as I don't even have to put them in at night.
When I do miss the occasional "close cow", I am amazed at how rugged these little guys are, and how much cold they can actually handle. (Don't like the shorter ears though.......)