Prevent Cow Kicks During Calving with an Anti-Kick Bar

Preventing Cow Kicks During Calving Season

Calving season on the farm can be an exciting yet stressful time of year. As cows prepare to give birth to their calves, their behavior and temperament can change. One dangerous habit some cows develop is cow kicking, especially when a rancher needs to assist with the birthing process. Using a cow kick bar is an effective way to protect both the cow and the rancher during calving season.

What Is a Cow Kick Bar?

A cow kick bar, sometimes referred to as an anti-kick bar, is a metal bar that attaches to the sides of the chute where cows are placed when giving birth. The kick bar sits flush against the cow's back legs, preventing her from being able to kick backwards.

Cow kick bars come in various designs, but the basic premise is the same. They restrict the hind legs of the cow from having a full range of motion needed to deliver a powerful kick. Some kick bar models allow for small leg movements but sharply limit the force and thrust behind a kick.

Why Do Cows Kick During Calving?

Kicking is an instinctive response in cows when they feel threatened or are in pain. The birthing process causes discomfort due to contractions and the pressure of the calf passing through the birth canal.

Some cows are simply more high-strung than others and react defensively at the presence of humans near their backside when giving birth. Even the most docile cow can become agitated and lash out with little warning during labor.

Sudden movements or contact near the cow's hindquarters can trigger kicking. Many rancher injuries occur when trying to assist with a difficult birth if the cow kicks during the process.

Benefits of Using a Cow Kick Bar

Here are some of the major benefits of using cow kick bars during calving season:

• Prevents serious blunt force injuries from being kicked
• Allows ranchers to safely assist with births in close proximity to the cow
• Reduces stress and anxiety for ranchers dealing with cow behaviors
• Lowers risks to ranchers of broken bones, internal bleeding, concussions
• Can quickly release cow if emergency occurs and restraint needs removed
• Creates more efficient calving process without fear of injury
• Saves medical expenses that come with injuries

Cow kicks can generate 1200 pounds of force, making them extremely hazardous. Using a cow kick bar eliminates the life-threatening risks associated with being kicked.

Proper Use of Cow Kick Bars

To utilize a cow kick bar safely and effectively during calving season, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure the kick bar properly fits the chute and can be firmly secured in place
• Double check that all locking pins and mechanisms are in place before placing cow in chute
• Lead cow slowly into the chute and give her time to settle in before securing kick bar
• Press kick bar firmly against the cow's hind legs, removing all space between bar and legs
• Always check that kick bar is tightly in place immediately before assisting with birth
• If possible, have another person hold and monitor the kick bar during the birthing process
• As soon as calving is complete, promptly release the kick bar to free the cow's hind legs

Using these best practices will get optimal results from your cow kick bar while minimizing discomfort for the cow. Always inspect for signs of injury or distress immediately after calving.

Important Safety Reminders

Even when using a cow kick bar, it's crucial to remain alert and employ other safety measures as well. Here are some key things to remember:

• Wear steel-toe boots in case hooves make contact despite the kick bar
• Don't fully turn your back on the cow even when restrained in the chute
• Make sure your equipment is in good working order and rated for adult cattle
• If possible, avoid calving alone in case you need assistance
• Ensure the chute and kick bar are properly cleaned and disinfected between each use

Cow Kick Bars Are Essential Calving Season Gear

Installing cow kick bars in your calving pens and chutes is one of the wisest investments you can make for the safety of both livestock and ranchers during birthing season. Taking preventative measures against hazardous kicks allows the calving process to go more smoothly and reduces harm.

With the proper kick bar procedures in place, ranchers can attend to calving cows with greatly reduced risk. That peace of mind is priceless during the long hours and strenuous nature of calving season on the ranch.

FAQs

Why do cows kick more during calving season?

Cows kick more when giving birth due to the pain and discomfort of contractions and labor. They may also feel threatened by ranchers assisting with the birthing process.

Can a cow kick bar completely prevent injuries?

No safety device is 100% effective. But used properly, a kick bar drastically reduces the risks and severity of injuries from cow kicks.

Do cow kick bars hurt the cows?

When installed correctly, kick bars limit motion but do not cause pain. Some cows may resist the restriction at first. Make sure bars are padded to prevent rubbing sores.

How much force can a cow kick generate?

Cow kicks can generate over 1200 pounds of blunt force trauma. Even a glancing blow causes severe harm to humans.

Should you use a cow kick bar every time a cow calves?

It's smart practice to use kick bars during calving season whenever a cow appears agitated or might require birthing assistance. Better to be safe than injured.