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Malpresentation is one of the top five most common causes of calving deaths. Just 3-4% of all calvings are malpresentations although that figure is higher in first calving heifers.

Malpresentation occurs when a calf or calves try to leave the birth canal in an abnormal manner. There isn’t anything you can do to prevent this unfortunately.

However, it is possible to remedy it; with this in mind, let's take a look at some abnormal presentations.

While it is stressful enough trying to get calves on the ground during calving season, that is not the end of the job for the cattleman.

Calves are born with an underdeveloped immune system which makes them prone to infections and diseases older animals wouldn’t be.

While the Moocall calving sensor is useful for stopping calf mortality during the calving event, it is also useful afterwards when immediate intervention is necessary to stop the calf contracting a deadly disease.

Here are just a few things you should be looking out for:

While calving jacks or calving aids seem like a simple tool, they are anything but simple to use properly.

They require an experienced hand and a cool head when the stakes are at their highest.

While nothing makes up for experience, you can follow these rules to maximise your chances of a successful calving using the jack:

In most calvings, the cow’s maternal instincts will kick in and she will know how to care for her calf.

However, sometimes things do not go that smoothly. A cow can be confused, cold or downright aggressive towards her offspring.

Here are a few things you can do to remedy this:

One common misconception people have when buying calving equipment is that the Moocall calving sensor and calving cameras serve the same purpose.

Because of this, people often pick one, and leave the other at the wayside.

However, while both devices help you keep track of calving, they do it in very different ways.

Here's what they offer:

Cattle farmers should be extra vigilant in preventing Johne's disease at calving time.

While it isn’t a hereditary disease, it can be passed on via an infected mother’s colostrum.

However certain measures, along with a Moocall calving sensor, can help you be there to stop that from happening.