Small Farmer's Guide

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Country Vet

If you have two cows or a hundred,
ask Dr. Andrea Looney DVM.

The trend towards virtual extinction of farming is sadly accelerating. The farmer's share of economic activity involved in delivering food to consumers has fallen from 21 percent in 1910 to less than 5 percent in 1996. Over time, activities once performed on farms have been taken over by the farm supply and food processing industries. Some would argue that much of the farming activity in this country is being absorbed by nonfarmers, those who believe in small, independent efficiency in the shadow of major producers, consumers, and mechanical management. What's wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing! In fact, it may be the gentleperson farmer that may very well return the whole of the farming industry one day to its roots.

Most companion animals provide us with an important link to these agricultural roots. I invite you, who value this special link and the continuing companionship these animals provide to our lives, to keep those questions coming. Hopefully, the spirit of the small farmer will persist!

What are some of the essentials to watch for when a calving will take place? We adopted a Jersey cow, and she is expected to calve soon (within 2 months). The kids are anxious to watch, and we're just plain anxious. She's a pet, and we warm to make this a good experience for everybody. Help!

—Sarah Wilson
Hamilton, OH

Whole watching a newborn calf find its feet and hobble up to mom (or the bottle) us a breathtaking experience, following a few basic steps can help ensure a good start.

First, find an appropriate area for mom. Whether field or pen, it should be clean and dry, with good ventilation, footing, access to plenty of water, and good lighting. Air movement in the maternity area is essential to keep things fresh, but not too much to cause drafts. The feed should be changed gradually within the last month or so prior to the date to a milk herd ration, which is higher in protein, calcium, and phosphorus. This ration isn't something to take lightly since serious perinatal problems like milk fever, placental retainment, etc. may be linked to a poor or unbalanced nutritional state. Most veterinarians can determine approximate gestation/delivery dates via rectal examination, which would be appropriate along the lone to assure that everything us in the correct configuration for the birth.

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