K-State Research and Extension livestock agent Clint Laflin discusses bull and heifer selections, expected stresses, genetic tools and more during the 2020 K-State calving school. | View this video on Vimeo
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K-State plans 2021 calving schools
Four events focus on knowledge, skills to boost successful births
Dec. 3, 2020
MANHATTAN, Kan. —In anticipation of calving season, beef cattle experts from the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in early January.
A.J. Tarpoff, an extension beef veterinarian, said calving schools aim to increase producers' knowledge, practical skills and the number of live calves born. Each day-long program outlines overall calving management, including stages of the normal calving process and tips to handle difficult calving situations.
"Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season," Tarpoff said. "We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. It's an excellent program regardless of experience level."
Speakers will share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow and how those times may be different when dealing with young heifers. Presenters also will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.
Tarpoff said the meetings will cover such topics as body condition scoring, colostrum management and animal health product storage and handling.
Meetings scheduled include:
Wednesday, Jan. 6, Emporia. For more information, email Brian Rees, Lyon County extension, at brees@ksu.edu.
Monday, Jan. 11, Winfield. For more information, email Kelsey Nordyke, Cowley County extension, at klnordyke@ksu.edu.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, Blue Rapids. For more information, email Anastasia Johnson Meyer, Marshall County extension, anastasia@ksu.edu.
Thursday, Jan. 21, Dodge City. For more information, email Andrea Burns, Ford County extension, at aburns@ksu.edu.
More information about the calving schools is available online as it becomes available.
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The Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The K-State ASI department prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries. The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. For more about the K-State’s ASI department visit asi.ksu.edu
