Question

Pregnant dams should be shifted to calving pens how many days before?

• A. 3 weeks prior to calving date
• B. 3 weeks post calving date
• C. 3 months prior to calving date
• D. 5 weeks prior to calving date

Hint:

Shifting pregnant dams to individual calving pens \(2\text{--}3\) weeks before calving allows for proper close-up feeding and monitoring during the critical transition period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Late gestation management of dairy cattle is crucial to ensure a safe delivery, prevent periparturient diseases (like milk fever or ketosis), and minimize calf mortality.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Pregnant dams must be separated from the main herd and shifted to clean, well-bedded individual calving pens (also known as maternity pens) about 2 to 3 weeks prior (approximately 3 weeks) to their expected date of calving.
This practice provides several benefits:
- It allows the dam to settle down, adapt to a quiet environment, and reduces physical stress.
- It enables farm staff to monitor the animal closely for impending signs of labor.
- It ensures a hygienic, pathogen-controlled environment for the delivery, reducing the risk of mastitis or metritis in the dam and naval ill in the newborn calf.

Step 4: Final Answer
Pregnant dams should be shifted to calving pens 3 weeks prior to their expected calving date.