Care and Management of a Pregnant Cow (ICAR Standard)

 Care and Management of a Pregnant Cow 

ICAR-based, standard, accurate information on Care and Management of Pregnant Cow, aligned with ICAR Manuals, Principles of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Science, and Livestock Production Management (LPM) textbooks.

1. Pregnancy Diagnosis

• Pregnancy must be confirmed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation after 60 days or by ultrasound after 30 days.

• Record the date of service and expected calving date (283 days).

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2. Feeding Management (ICAR-Recommended)

a) Early & mid pregnancy (1–6 months)

• Maintenance ration + normal green and dry fodder

• Avoid overfeeding to prevent fat deposition → difficult calving

• Provide 1–2% body weight roughage + small concentrate

• Daily 50–60 g mineral mixture

b) Late pregnancy (7–9 months)

Calf growth is rapid → nutritional requirement increases.

• Provide 1–1.5 kg concentrates/day

• Increase green fodder

• Provide Vitamin A, D, E supplementation

• Provide salt lick always

c) Water

• Clean, fresh water ad libitum (50–70 L/day)

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3. Dry Period Management (ICAR Recommended: 60 Days)

Dry period = 2 months before calving
Essential for udder regeneration and high milk yield.

How to dry the cow

• Gradually reduce concentrate feed for 3–4 days

• Skip one milking per day → stop completely

Dry cow concentrate

• 1–1.5 kg concentrate daily

• Adequate mineral mixture to prevent milk fever

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4. Housing Management (ICAR Standards)

Pregnant cow shed

• Non-slippery floor

• Dry, clean, and well-ventilated

• Provide 50–60 sq. ft. resting space

• Use clean straw bedding

• Avoid overcrowding

Exercise

• Allow 2–3 hours walking daily

• Prevents metabolic disorders and easy calving

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5. Health Care (ICAR Recommended Schedule)

Vaccination

According to ICAR & State AH Dept:

• FMD – Every 6 months

• HS – Once yearly

• BQ – Once yearly

• Brucellosis – Female calf at 4–8 months (single dose)

Deworming

• Once every 3 months

• During pregnancy: deworming at 5th month and 8th month

Mineral Mixture

• 50–75 g/day (ICAR standard)

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6. Care During Last Month of Pregnancy

Shift to calving pen (Kidding Box / Parturition Pen)

• Clean, disinfected

• Deep bedding

• Provide adequate space

• Prevent stress, loud noise, and rough handling

Signs of approaching calving

• Enlarged udder (bagging)

• Relaxation of pelvic ligaments

• Mucus discharge

• Restlessness

• Cow prefers isolation

• Swollen vulva

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7. Management During Calving (Parturition)

ICAR Calving Guidelines

• Mostly no assistance is required

• Clean the cow’s perineal area with KMnO4 or antiseptic solution

• Ensure calving pen hygiene

• If strong labor lasts >30–45 minutes without progress → call veterinarian

• Do NOT pull calf unless required and only under vet guidance

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8. Post-Calving Care of Cow

Immediately after calving:

• Give 5–6 liters lukewarm water with jaggery

• Check for retained placenta (if >8 hours → call vet)

• Wash hindquarters

• Observe cow for:

  • Milk fever

  • Mastitis

  • Vaginal prolapse

  • Post-calving bleeding (mild is normal, heavy is not)

Feeding after calving:

• Light feed for first day: bran mash

• Normal ration from second day

• Increase concentrate gradually

• Provide clean water

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9. Record Keeping (ICAR Recommended)

Maintain record of:

• Heat date

• AI/natural service date

• Pregnancy diagnosis date

• Vaccinations & deworming

• Expected calving date

• Calving details

• Male/female calf, birth weight

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10. Important ICAR Recommendations (Summary)

Management	ICAR Standard
Dry Period	60 days
Calving Period	Avg. 283 days
Mineral Mixture	50–75 g/day
Deworming	Every 3 months; important at 5th & 8th month
Vaccination	FMD (6 months), HS (yearly), BQ (yearly)
Exercise	2–3 hours walking daily
Water	Ad libitum

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Conclusion

ICAR emphasizes nutrition, hygiene, vaccination, deworming, dry period, and calving management for a healthy mother and strong calf. Following these guidelines ensures:

✓ Easy calving
✓ High milk yield
✓ Healthy calf
✓ Lower veterinary cost