6 Tips to Prepare for a Seamless Autumn Calving
For cattle farmers Autumn calving is one of the busiest time of the year, with most herds starting to calve from late August through to November. Preparation is key: getting housing, equipment and feed sorted ahead of time makes the whole process smoother for both the cattle and farmers.
Whether you're block calving or have a smaller group due, here's our 6 tips to help you prepare for a seamless autumn calving.
1. Prep Calf Housing
A well-prepared calving environment makes all the difference. Start by checking that calving pens are cleaned, disinfected, and bedded up with plenty of fresh straw. Adequate ventilation without draughts is vital, stale and damp air is a breeding ground for respiratory disease in both cows and calves.
Lighting is another area often overlooked. Good visibility helps you monitor cows more effectively, particularly during late-night checks. If you don’t already have it, consider installing reliable LED lighting in calving sheds or portable floodlights for temporary setups.
Finally, think about space. Overstocking increases the risk of disease and stress in cows. If you’re short on housing, temporary pens or dividing off existing space may be a simple solution to ease the pressure during peak calving.
2. Keep Cows Well Fed
Nutrition is central to calving success. Cows that are too thin may struggle to produce sufficient colostrum, while over-conditioned cows are at higher risk of calving difficulties. Aim for a body condition score (BCS) of around 2.5–3 at calving for suckler cows and 3–3.5 for dairy cows.
Introduce transition diets gradually, ensuring minerals and vitamins are balanced. Pay particular attention to magnesium, selenium, and vitamin E, which all play roles in calving ease and calf vigour. Many UK farmers also rely on pre-calver mineral buckets or boluses to help fill gaps in forage-based diets.
Don’t forget water, clean and fresh supplies are essential, especially in group housing where troughs can quickly become fouled.
3. Is Equipment Ready?
Having the right kit on hand is just as important as nutrition and housing. Check calving ropes, jacks, stomach tubes, thermometers, and disinfectants well before calving starts. Replace anything worn, rusted, or cracked, it’s never worth risking a delay when a cow is down.
Organising a “calving box” with everything you need in one place is a simple but effective step. Include plenty of disposable gloves, lubricant, iodine for navels, and clean towels. Many farmers also keep a head torch or clip-on light in their kit to make handling in low light easier.
Finally, test your handling system. Whether you use a cattle crush or a simple calving gate, make sure all gates, latches, and head yokes are functioning properly. Having a safe way to restrain a cow protects both you and the animal.
4. Prioritise Health
Autumn calving coincides with damp, changeable weather, perfect conditions for disease spread. Prevention is better than cure, so work with your vet on a herd health plan tailored to your system. Vaccinations for scour, BVD, leptospirosis, and IBR may be relevant depending on your herd history.
Colostrum remains the most important factor in calf health. Follow the “3 Qs”: quality, quantity, quickly. Calves should receive 3–4 litres of good-quality colostrum within the first six hours of life. Testing colostrum with a refractometer and keeping frozen reserves on hand can provide peace of mind if a cow is short.
Hygiene underpins everything. Clean calving pens between each cow, disinfect equipment after use, and maintain dry, well-bedded housing. A little extra time on hygiene can save a lot of lost calves and vet bills down the line.
5. Safety First
Even the quietest cow can become unpredictable around calving. Prioritise safety for yourself, family, and staff. Always approach freshly calved cows with caution, and avoid working alone if possible.
Make sure your PPE is in good condition, gloves, boots and hi-vis jackets, where appropriate. A functional, well-positioned cattle crush or calving gate is one of the best investments you can make to reduce risk when assisting difficult calvings.
It’s also worth having a plan for emergencies. Keep your vet’s number clearly displayed, and make sure everyone on the farm knows when to call for help. Recognising the signs of a difficult calving and acting promptly can make the difference between a live and a lost calf.
6. Forward Planning
Autumn calving is demanding, but it’s also an opportunity to look ahead. As you work through the season, note down what works well and what could be improved for next year. Perhaps you need more space, extra lighting, or updated handling facilities.
Consider whether investing in labour-saving equipment, such as better handling systems, feed barriers, or calf creep feeders, could reduce pressure in future seasons. Planning for the longer term not only makes calving easier but can also improve herd health and productivity year after year.
If you need a completely new housing facility or a simple extension, please get in touch for a quote for a building ready for the spring.
Autumn calving doesn’t have to be chaotic. By preparing housing, feeding cows correctly, keeping equipment ready, prioritising herd health, focusing on safety, and planning ahead, you can give your calves the best possible start and make the season much more manageable.
Taking the time to plan now pays dividends, healthier cows, stronger calves, and less stress for everyone involved.
