by Lindsay Waechter-Mead, Nebraska Extension

Mud conditions in calving areas can lead to health concerns in both the cow and the calf. Mud and moisture prevent the hair coat from insulating and maintaining body temperature, leaving newborn calves vulnerable to hypothermia. Mud also increases the energy requirements for the cow and may lead to decreases in body condition score (Nickles, et al. 2022).

Because of health concerns, it is important to reduce the effects of mud in calving areas. The following are a few management strategies to decrease the risk of health events due to mud during calving season.

Calf escape areas and shelters are options for calves to go without cow traffic.Calf scours

When mud and fecal material are on udders, calves have the potential to ingest disease-causing pathogens when they nurse. The environmental pathogens amplify with each new animal introduced to the calving area.

The Sandhills Calving Method can be modified to individual systems by using two key concepts:

1. Calves are born in a clean area to minimize the number of pathogens in the environment at birth.
2. Calves are grouped by similar ages to prevent direct contact between younger and older calves. Keeping age groups together is one way to minimize risk of exposure to large amounts of disease-causing agents.

Can the pens be split with temporary fencing or other creative methods of separation? Are there areas that may be accessed that are normally not used during calving? Once areas are designated, heavy-bred cows can be rotated out of the pairs group to start another age group.

Calving shelters

Calf escape areas and shelters are options for calves to go without cow traffic. Hot wires in corners of pens or creep areas provide additional space for calves to rest. It is important to monitor these areas often and remove soiled bedding to prevent the spread of disease.

Additional information on scours management can be found here: Understanding Scours | UNL Beef.

Navel ill

Navel ill occurs when bacteria from a contaminated environment enters the calf navel and creates an abscess or infection.

1. Bedding, such as round straw bales or cornstalks behind wind shelters, will provide areas for cows to calve without contamination of udders and navels. Again, this area needs to be monitored closely and refreshed often to minimize disease risk.
2. Spraying or dipping the navel area with a disinfecting liquid, such as 7% tincture of iodine, will promote drying and healing of the umbilical cord.

Ensuring adequate and timely colostrum consumption is another important preventative health management strategy. Find more information here: How colostrum works, why calves need it, and what to do if they aren’t getting it | UNL Beef.

Information on emergency management in drylots can be found here: Tips for dealing with wet, muddy winter conditions in cattle feedyards | UNL Beef.

Editor’s note: Lindsay Waechter-Mead is a veterinarian and a Nebraska Extension beef educator.