The next lactation is already being shaped before the cow calves. This week, walk the dry-cow group, check whether feed and water are consistently available, and make sure the calving area and colostrum equipment are ready. Avoid treating the far-off dry period as a stretch in which cows can be left to lose condition: MaxMedia’s dairy reference warns against sending dry cows to poor-quality veld and says they need a balanced diet and a break from nutritional stress.
Start with the dry cow, not the calf
A newborn’s first protection depends partly on what happened before birth. Colostrum is produced in the final weeks of gestation, and the farm’s vaccination and nutrition plan for the dam can influence the quality of the antibodies available to the calf. MaxMedia’s calf-health material recommends strategic cow vaccination and nutrition that supports the immune system. Review the dry-cow vaccination programme with your veterinarian: match products and timing to local disease risks and the herd’s breeding calendar rather than adopting an overseas schedule by default.
The current international headlines are a reminder to keep that distinction clear. Dairy News Today reported 48 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in Ireland on 25 October, with the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association estimating that vaccination covered about half of mature breeding stock. That is not evidence of BTV-3 in South Africa. The practical lesson for local farms is to discuss disease-specific vaccination and logistics with a South African veterinarian, not to transfer Irish recommendations directly to the herd.
Make colostrum a measured routine
Set the calf team up before calving begins: assign responsibility for collection and feeding, test colostrum quality, and keep a labelled reserve available in a colostrum bank. MaxMedia’s reference recommends testing with a colostrum meter and having good-quality colostrum ready in the freezer.
Timing matters. A South African Farmers’ Weekly calf-management article published on 22 October advises giving the first feed as soon as possible, ideally within one to two hours after birth. MaxMedia’s material likewise stresses prompt feeding, with its guidance pointing to the first hour as the target and a second feed within six hours. Set up a simple birth-time and feed-time record so that a busy calving shift does not turn “soon” into an uncertain estimate. Feed a suitable volume of high-quality colostrum; MaxMedia’s references give practical targets of 2–4 litres or about 10–12% of birth weight, while the exact requirement should be set for the calf and farm protocol.
If the dam is ill, the calf is weak, or there is doubt about colostrum quality or intake, seek veterinary advice promptly. Farmers’ Weekly also recommends assessing the newborn and colostrum quality and quantity, addressing cow illness and pre-calving nutrition, and discussing suitable vaccination programmes with the veterinarian.
Protect the transition with steady routines
A clean, dry, warm calf environment and consistent feeding help the young animal cope with the demands of early life. MaxMedia’s calf-team guidance calls for warm milk of consistent composition and supply, hygienic equipment, dry bedding and a clean workflow. Work with the youngest calves first, then move to older groups, reducing the chance of carrying disease from older animals to the most vulnerable. Keep fresh, clean water available and offer starter feed as the calf grows.
For the cow, make observation part of the daily routine around calving. Record cases of illness and note cows that are not eating normally; MaxMedia’s management reference identifies changes in eating behaviour and rumination as useful early signals for individual follow-up. Act on a change by checking the animal and discussing persistent concerns with the farm’s veterinarian or nutrition adviser. The goal is a consistent transition plan, not a one-off intervention after a cow or calf is already struggling.
Turn this week’s preparation into a repeatable system
Before the next calving, confirm who is responsible for dry-cow checks, vaccination records, colostrum testing and feeding records. Check that the colostrum meter and feeding equipment are clean and ready, and that frozen reserves can be thawed gently and promptly. Review the plan with the veterinarian and adjust it to the farm’s conditions, available vaccines and actual disease risks.
These steps connect dam management to calf survival and later performance. A balanced dry-cow period, an appropriate locally agreed vaccination plan, and prompt, measured colostrum feeding are practical management decisions the farm can make before the next birth—not after the first signs of a problem.
Key points
- This week, review dry-cow feed, water, condition and calving preparations; do not leave far-off cows to struggle on poor-quality veld.
- Agree dry-cow vaccination timing with a South African veterinarian, based on local risks and the breeding calendar.
- Prepare tested, good-quality colostrum and record birth and feeding times; aim for the first feed within one to two hours.
- Keep calf routines hygienic, warm and consistent, and monitor cows and calves for changes that need prompt follow-up.