This comprehensive textbook provides detailed information on calving management in dairy and beef cattle. Enriched with diverse learning opportunities, it conveys the fundamentals of reproductive anatomy and physiology, parturition, birth complications and various obstetrical manoeuvres, as well as dam and calf care. In order to promote best practices in this specialized subject, the book covers all significant points from conception to calving and the perinatal period. Clear chapter structures, a wealth of illustrations and videos, obstetrical case studies, and question-and-answer lists round out the reading experience, making the book a unique source of information on how to support mother cows and obtain viable offspring. In addition, readers can download the free Springer Nature Flashcards App and benefit from 77 digital study questions to test their knowledge. Calving is a significant event in terms of providing care and nutrition for mother cows and calves. The reproductive health status in cattle farms is crucial to immediately initiate lactation and new conception. Assistance by technical personnel, dystocia and stillbirth occurrences can reach ca. 50%, 14% and 6% of parturitions, respectively. Hence, zootechnical and veterinary management of calving is of great importance for animal welfare. This textbook makes a valuable contribution to teaching and everyday practice in cattle medicine and obstetrics. Veterinary students, residents, practitioners and technical personnel will discover it to be a rich learning and reference resource.

A guide to calf management authored by veterinarians with years of experience in both practice and research. The focus is on rearing a calf for optimal health and enhanced productivity, with a focus on welfare and best practice. Handbook of Calf Health and Management employs a lifecycle approach to management, seeing the calf through from conception to bulling age. Topics covered include feeding strategies and feeding behaviour, hygiene, weaning, grazing, husbandry advice and disease management. The approach throughout is of animal and keeper working together. The information presented has a solid research foundation and is evidence based and up to date. Practical tips from the authors’ own experience are also included. Handbook of Calf Health and Management is a must have book for both cattle veterinarians, veterinary students, farmers and stockpeople with an interest in calf management. 5m Books

Designed for kids ages 9 and up, this friendly and encouraging guide introduces children to the fun and rewarding experience of raising a calf. With age-appropriate instructions, clear photographs, and easy-to-read diagrams, Heather Smith Thomas covers the basics of choosing the right calf, feeding and housing, showing, and calf health care. Whether they’re interested in raising an animal for beef or dairy, children will find everything they need to know to safely and successfully care for their very own calf.