Spring Calving: Setting Your Herd Up for a Strong Start

Spring is one of the busiest times on farm – and having the right nutrition and equipment in place can make all the difference between a smooth calving season and unnecessary stress.

Preparing the Cow Before Calving

The final weeks before calving are when nutritional demands peak, yet intakes often drop. If cows are short on energy, minerals, or trace elements, it can lead to weaker calves, more difficult calvings, retained cleansings, and slower recovery.

Getting to this stage right sets the tone for everything that follows.

Getting nutrition right in the final weeks is critical – and this is where targeted supplementation pays off.

A standout option is Sea-Lick Pre-Calver:

• Packed with iodine, selenium & vitamin E
• Supports colostrum quality and calf vitality
• High magnesium helps reduce milk fever risk
• Designed for feeding in the final 4–6 weeks pre-calving

For additional support:

• Natural Stockcare Keto-Energy – helps maintain energy levels
• Natural Stockcare ProbiVit-E Paste – supports immune function and gut health
• Natural Stockcare Solu-E – provides a concentrated source of vitamin E to support immunity and calf vigour
• Natural Stockcare Cobalt B12 with Selenium – helps optimise energy metabolism and supports trace element status pre-calving
• AllGuard Iodine Max 5in1 - a multi trace element bolus containing copper, selenium, cobalt and zinc supplying up to 6 months cover.

Be Ready for Calving Time

Calving is unpredictable, and when problems arise, time is critical. Delays in intervention can increase the risk of calf losses or injury to the cow. Being properly equipped allows for quick, safe action and removes a lot of pressure in the moment.

Even straightforward calvings can turn quickly – so having reliable kit on hand is essential.

Must-have equipment includes:

• HK Calf Puller Calving Aid – for safe assisted calvings
• Vink Calving Ropes – strong, dependable grip
• J-Lube Lubricant – reduces strain and stress during delivery
• Febra Nitrile Gloves – essential for hygiene

For emergencies:

• HK Calf Resuscitator – vital for weak or non-breathing calves

Giving Calves the Best Start

A calf is born with little to no natural immunity, making early colostrum intake essential. Poor intake in the first few hours is one of the main causes of disease and poor performance later on, so early intervention is key.

The first few hours are critical – and having the right products ready ensures no calf is left behind.

Key calf-care essentials:

• SCCL Calf Colostrum – supports immunity when natural supply is limited
• Trusti-Tuber Feeding Kit – ensures early colostrum intake
• BESS Calf Bottle – simple, effective feeding solution
• Natural Stockcare At Birth 30g Syringe – delivers an immediate boost of energy, vitamins, and trace elements to newborn calves

Supporting calves doesn’t stop after those first few hours. As they begin to grow and move onto grass, maintaining a consistent supply of trace elements becomes essential for performance and development. The All-Guard Youngstock Grazer Bolus provides a slow-release supply of key minerals such as copper, iodine, selenium, cobalt, and zinc, helping youngstock maximise growth and thrive during this important stage.

Supporting the Cow After Calving

After calving, cows are under significant metabolic pressure and are more vulnerable to issues like milk fever, ketosis, and dehydration. Supporting recovery early helps maintain milk yield, fertility, and overall health, while ongoing nutritional support ensures cows continue to perform as demand increases.

Recovery is just as important as preparation – and a few key products can make a big difference.

Post-calving support:

• Fresh-Cow Drink – energy, fluids, and electrolytes to aid recovery
• FreshCALC Calcium D3 Bolus – helps prevent milk fever
• Natural Stockcare Calcium-Action Liquid – rapid calcium support when needed

Ongoing nutritional support:

• Natural Stockcare Keto-Energy – supports energy balance and helps reduce ketosis risk
• NutriGrow Sea-Lick buckets – maintains condition and supports fertility post-calving

Udder care:

• Teisen Udder Cream – supports skin condition and comfort

Spring calving is demanding – but with the right preparation, nutrition, and equipment, it can also be one of the most rewarding times of the year.

At NutriGrow, we’re here to support you every step of the way – helping you achieve healthier cows, stronger calves, and a more successful calving season.