Care and management of pregnant dairy cow

Veterinary Hospital Kohima

Dairy farming is one of the most sustainable livelihoods for our farmers as it offers a great return on the investment. For a farmer, a pregnant dairy cow is the largest asset. This includes milk production in the next lactation and future new born calf. The successful recovery of these returns depends on the care and management of pregnant dairy cow. Any mismanagement during pregnancy may lead to abortion, causing great loss to the farmers. Therefore some points to be kept in mind for taking care of pregnant dairy cow-

1.     The farmer should note the date of artificial insemination and then calculate the tentative expected date of calving. The pregnancy length of a cow is 365±5 days.

2.     Separate the pregnant cow from the rest of the herd one (1) month before expected date of calving.

3.     The floor of the pregnant cow shed should be dry and non- slippery.

4.     Dry off the animal about 60 days before the expected date of calving.

5.     Provide well balanced diet to the pregnant cow. And addition amount of extra concentrate must be provided in the last trimester of pregnancy.

6.     Avoid any kind of stress like transportation, extreme climate, beating etc.

Proper care and management of a pregnant cow before calving will ensure the birth of a healthy calf which is indeed the farmers most price posses.