In the world of Dexter breeding, calving is usually a smooth experience, however there are times where calving can be a challenging and unpredictable experience. Many fellow breeders often find themselves grappling with various queries and uncertainties during this crucial period. While it's essential to consult a veterinarian for tailored advice in each unique situation, our years of experience have taught us that calving issues often arise during inconvenient times, such as late at night or on weekends when feed stores are closed.
Being prepared for such scenarios can make all the difference, and having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here's a comprehensive list of essentials that every Dexter breeder should consider having in their calving toolkit:
1. **Halter and Rope:**
- Useful for safely managing and guiding the cow during calving.
2. **Disposable Long-Sleeve OB Gloves:**
- Essential for maintaining hygiene and protecting yourself during calving procedures.
3. **Obstetrical Lubricant in a Squeeze Bottle:**
- Facilitates smooth calving by reducing friction and easing the birthing process.
4. **Rags:**
- Handy for cleaning and drying newborn calves.
5. **Clean OB Chains and Handles:**
- Even though Dexters are generally good calvers, having these on hand provides extra support in case of complications.
6. **Iodine for Disinfecting Navel Stump:**
- Ensures proper hygiene and helps prevent infections in newborn calves.
7. **Flashlight/Headlamp with Fresh Batteries:**
- Essential for illuminating the calving area, especially during nighttime calvings.
8. **Injectable Antibiotics for Cows and Calves (Prescribed by Your Vet):**
- Critical for addressing health issues promptly under veterinary guidance.
9. **Sterile Syringes and Needles:**
- Necessary for administering medications and treatments.
10. **Bottle and Lamb Nipple:**
- Enables feeding of calves if necessary.
11. **Stomach Tube or Esophageal Feeder:**
- Useful for feeding calves that are unable to nurse.
12. **Package of Commercial Colostrum Replacer:**
- Ensures proper nutrition for newborn calves in case natural colostrum is unavailable.
13. **Electrolytes:**
- Vital for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in stressed or sick calves.
14. **Toolbox:**
- A dedicated box to organize and carry all necessary items conveniently.
15. **Two Thermometers:**
- One for monitoring sick calves and another for checking the temperature of newborn or young calves prone to hypothermia.
By having these items readily available, you can enhance your preparedness for calving situations, providing the best possible care for your Dexters.
Being prepared for such scenarios can make all the difference, and having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here's a comprehensive list of essentials that every Dexter breeder should consider having in their calving toolkit:
1. **Halter and Rope:**
- Useful for safely managing and guiding the cow during calving.
2. **Disposable Long-Sleeve OB Gloves:**
- Essential for maintaining hygiene and protecting yourself during calving procedures.
3. **Obstetrical Lubricant in a Squeeze Bottle:**
- Facilitates smooth calving by reducing friction and easing the birthing process.
4. **Rags:**
- Handy for cleaning and drying newborn calves.
5. **Clean OB Chains and Handles:**
- Even though Dexters are generally good calvers, having these on hand provides extra support in case of complications.
6. **Iodine for Disinfecting Navel Stump:**
- Ensures proper hygiene and helps prevent infections in newborn calves.
7. **Flashlight/Headlamp with Fresh Batteries:**
- Essential for illuminating the calving area, especially during nighttime calvings.
8. **Injectable Antibiotics for Cows and Calves (Prescribed by Your Vet):**
- Critical for addressing health issues promptly under veterinary guidance.
9. **Sterile Syringes and Needles:**
- Necessary for administering medications and treatments.
10. **Bottle and Lamb Nipple:**
- Enables feeding of calves if necessary.
11. **Stomach Tube or Esophageal Feeder:**
- Useful for feeding calves that are unable to nurse.
12. **Package of Commercial Colostrum Replacer:**
- Ensures proper nutrition for newborn calves in case natural colostrum is unavailable.
13. **Electrolytes:**
- Vital for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in stressed or sick calves.
14. **Toolbox:**
- A dedicated box to organize and carry all necessary items conveniently.
15. **Two Thermometers:**
- One for monitoring sick calves and another for checking the temperature of newborn or young calves prone to hypothermia.
By having these items readily available, you can enhance your preparedness for calving situations, providing the best possible care for your Dexters.
