Calving in the Cold

Kirstie Robertson, Pincher Creek Voice

A small herd of mothers-to-be
K. Robertson photo

In Alberta, the most common type of cow/calf breeding system consists of the animals giving birth in the early January to March months, also called ‘Winter Calving’. The weather and time frame can provide opportunistic advantages, but also come with their own set of hardships very unlike that of the warmer spring/summer months. Why exactly would farmers want to breed their cattle to give birth in these frigid arctic months?

Farmers often breed cattle for ‘Winter Calving’ to give the cattle a longer period in which to grow and gain weight before fall sales, at which most of the young livestock is sold off. These calves garner a higher gross revenue at the sales, with consideration to the fact that cattle are often sold at a varying price per pound, which depends on the quality of the livestock and the sales market in that particular year.


Cattle prices for this year are currently at a comfortable high, but the cold weather is indeed capable of altering these values. The extreme cold can sometimes freeze the tips of ears or the tails, causing the frozen pieces to wither and fall away. Though this has no ill affect on a cows overall health, it is considered a blemish and buyers will opportunistically offer a lower value than they would for unblemished cattle.

With less available grazing underneath all the snow and ice, farmers are required to supplement their cattle’s diet with hay. More feed needed increases the overall  cost of the cattle and can drastically lessen the profit. Longer winters and deeper snow can mean a smaller profit margin for many local farmers.

A 4 hour old calf with frozen fur
K. Robertson photo

 The cold weather can pose challenges for newborn calves and the mothering cow. Usually after birth, a cow will lick her calf until it dries. In our wintry weather, a calf will often freeze before the mothering animal will even get the opportunity. These calves are at risk for pneumonia, and even death. Farmers have to be on constant alert – some checking their herds as often as every 30 minutes throughout the day and night for signs of a birth close at hand. Cows that appear close to labour can be brought indoors to calve, away from the sharp winds and wet snow.

Winter births also come with some advantages; avoidance of fly borne diseases being one of the more obvious, but also that of other parasitic bugs such as bots and worms which can cause slower growth in the young calves. Skin mites that can cause irritation and unsightly scabs such as scab mites are also not a problem during the cold season months, giving the calves a generally pest-free start to live.

Local farmer Vince Gray offers some advice to anybody calving in this chilly weather; "Use lots and lots of straw, the calves will bury themselves in it to keep warm and it will help keep them dry." He went on to add that "having available calf shelters will give them protection from the wind and snow", and advises farmers to "be on constant vigilance night and day. Missing the signs of an approaching birth can mean the life of the calf very quickly."

To all you winter farmers out there – Good luck and happy calving!

Frozen cobwebs
K. Robertson photo