Late Pregnancy Care for Cows and Buffalo

The last six weeks before calving decide the whole next season. The fetus grows rapidly, udder tissue prepares for milk secretion, and energy and calcium needs change. Egyptian buffalo, with a gestation of up to 310 days, need closer watching than cows because calving signs are less obvious and a fat female faces a higher risk of dystocia and retained placenta. Good preparation reduces calf deaths and shortens the time to first milk.

Why the final weeks matter most

In the last third of pregnancy the fetus uses about 70 percent of its growth, so the dam needs more energy, protein and minerals. If feed is short, muscle is lost, the female weakens and becomes prone to milk fever and ketosis after calving; if she is too fat, the pelvic canal narrows and delivery becomes difficult. The aim is moderate body condition, neither thin nor fat.

Buffalo show calving signs late: relaxation of the sacrosciatic ligament, udder enlargement and a mucous discharge. Farmers therefore rely on the breeding record and expected date rather than signs alone. An animal near term should be moved to a clean calving pen a week ahead, with less crowding and stress.

Feeding and the dry period

The dry period lasts 60 days in cows and 70 to 90 days in high-yielding buffalo, with milking stopped gradually over a week. The ration relies on good roughage with moderate protein, excess energy is reduced to avoid fattening, and calcium is adjusted as advised by the vet. The transition ration starts three weeks before calving with a gradual increase in concentrate.

Clean water is essential because dehydration reduces colostrum and delays calving. In summer buffalo need shade and water spraying because they are very heat sensitive, and a wallowing pool helps where possible. Mineral and vitamin supplements cover ration gaps, and products such as livestock vitamins can be used under veterinary supervision.

Vaccination and pre-calving checks

Vaccination in the last trimester passes antibodies into colostrum and protects the calf in its first weeks. Animals are vaccinated against FMD and pasteurellosis four to six weeks before calving according to the regional programme, and deworming is done early in the dry period rather than late, because drugs may affect the fetus or leave milk residues.

Pre-calving checks include body condition scoring, udder examination for mastitis, trimming overgrown hooves and watching for abnormal vaginal discharge. Recording breeding dates and expected calving helps prepare the pen on time. Consult your veterinarian before any vaccine or drug in this sensitive period.

Calving and care afterwards

The first stage of labour lasts two to six hours and is marked by restlessness and cervical dilation. If strong straining continues more than two hours without the calf appearing, this is dystocia and the vet must be called at once, because delay kills the calf and injures the dam. Never pull the calf violently or use instruments unless you are trained.

After birth, colostrum is offered within two hours and the calf should drink about 10 percent of its body weight in the first 24 hours. Watch the dam for retained placenta after 12 hours, bleeding, metritis and milk fever. Oxytocin is used in specific situations under veterinary supervision, such as weak uterine contractions, and never at random. Equipping the calving pen from livestock and sheep and medical supplies makes rapid intervention easier.

• Stop milking gradually over a week and start the dry period two months before calving.
• Feed good roughage and adjust calcium on veterinary advice.
• Provide shade and water spraying for buffalo in summer heat.
• Vaccinate four to six weeks before the expected calving date.
• Move the dam to a clean calving pen a week ahead.
• Call the vet if straining lasts more than two hours without a calf.

Conclusion

The final six weeks are an investment in the next season. A planned dry period, gradual feeding, timely vaccination, a clean calving pen and close watching in the first 24 hours prevent most calf deaths and difficult births.

This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for examining your animal by a licensed veterinarian. In emergencies, contact your vet immediately.