Calving Kit Must-Haves
CattleMax Team Calving Kit
Our team of ranchers put together a Calving Kit with all the essentials that they keep in their calving boxes and also some tips that they have found helpful!
Calving Kit Checklist
Ear Tags
Electronic ID Tags
Taggers
Tag Pens
Vaccines & Syringes
Weighing Platform or Scale
Colostrum & Electrolytes
Probiotic Paste
Navel Guard or Iodine
Calving chains & handles
OB gloves
Lube
Halter
Paper towels
Pigging String or Floss
Towels
Tips & Suggestions
Austin: Keeping accurate records at birth helps ensure no calf or important details are missed. “We use a scale that attaches to the front or back of our UTV to weigh calves right away. It also allows us to tag, give probiotics, and spray the navel before sending the calf back with its mom. The scale keeps the calf at hip height, so you stay on your feet while the cow can stay close and keep an eye on her calf.”
Danise: Being prepared in the calving box can save time when it matters most. “We always keep a large towel and a tag applicator in the calving box. We also use a manual scale with a calf sling that attaches to the hitch on the back of the ATV.”
Dawn: Having the right equipment on hand makes post-calving checks easier and more effective. “Most of the essentials have been covered, but I’d add a calf scale. One of the best pieces of advice we received from a vet is to always go back in and check for spares and tears if you pull a calf. We’ve never found a tear, but we’ve found a spare a few times.”
Jacqueline: Having the proper medications on hand is crucial. “Along with having medications on hand, we always make sure we have tags and colostrum ready. One of the newest additions to our calving supplies is calving coats. They’ve been a lifesaver for pasture calving in colder states like Wyoming during the spring.”
Jessa: Having the right setup is just as important as having the right supplies. “Medications, tags, colostrum, and vaccines are all important, but proper facilities and safe handling equipment matter too. In an emergency, having a chute and a small pen can save valuable time when assisting a breech calf or helping a weak calf nurse.”
Jimmy: Being organized during calving helps ensure accurate records from day one. “Our calving box includes calving chains, OB gloves, lube, a head snare or halter, EID tags, iodine, paper towels, and pigging string. We use a small-animal platform in the back of the RTV, with load bars and a scale indicator. We like to weigh calves within the first 12 hours, or 24 at the latest, and place an EID at the same time. As we process the calf, we enter the information into CattleMax right in the field on our phone, which helps keep our records accurate.”
Kristen: Being prepared for emergencies can make all the difference. “Always keep medications on hand and stay proactive with post-birth vaccinations. Knowing you have what you need at a moment’s notice can save a calf’s or cow’s life.”
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Meredith: Staying organized helps reduce stress on both the rancher and the cattle. “I keep everything in one storage tote, including palp gloves, towels, cleaned chains in individual bags, lube, handles, tags and a tagger, LA, multivitamins with B12, probiotics, syringes and needles, prolapse thread, and a notebook. Having it all ready to go makes it easy to throw in the pickup when checking cows across multiple locations. One piece of advice I always share: if you’re missing a calf and the mama isn’t worried, don’t panic. She’s usually got it hidden somewhere.”
Nathan: Keeping things simple can be just as effective during calving season. “I keep the bare minimum in my calving box: ear tags, tag pen marker, and soft rope.”
Blair: Preparing for cold weather and weak calves is key during calving season. “I always keep an oral tube feeder and colostrum on hand. When it’s cold, a little duct tape on the ears can help prevent frostbite and give calves a better start.”