Body condition:  It is important for cows to maintain a body condition score (BCS) between 4.5 and 5.5 during the final trimester. A higher body condition score allows for improved calving ease, along with higher quality colostrum. First-calf heifers should have a BCS of 5.5 to 6 before calving.  “Heifers are still trying to grow, while also providing milk and preparing to rebreed. After calving, they won’t add body condition so it is key that they are in really good condition before calving,” says Dr. Wade.

Vaccinations:  Entering the third trimester, producers should consider vaccinating with a killed-virus vaccine to boost immunity. Dr. Wade explains that the immune response developed from the vaccination forms antibodies that pass from cow to calf through the colostrum.

First aid kit:  Don’t wait until you have problems to develop a plan. Before calving season make sure you have: clean calving area, calf jack, obstetric chains, latex gloves and good functioning lights for nighttime calving problems.