Rosslyn Biggs, DVM- Calf scours remains one of the most common health challenges facing cow-calf producers and is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, diarrhea results from the interaction between disease-causing organisms, the calf, and its environment. One management approach designed to address environmental exposure during calving is the Sandhills calving system. This system focuses on maintaining clean calving conditions throughout the entire calving season.
Early in the calving season, cows typically calve on clean ground with no older calves present. As calving progresses, disease risk increases as pathogens accumulate and younger calves are exposed to older calves shedding infectious organisms. The Sandhills system works to recreate early-season conditions week after week. All pregnant cows begin the season in one pasture. After one to two weeks, cows that have not yet calved are moved to a clean pasture, while cow-calf pairs remain behind. This process is repeated throughout the calving season.
By separating calves by age, younger calves have limited contact with older calves that may be shedding pathogens. This disrupts the cycle of exposure and reduces the buildup of disease-causing organisms in the calving area. Producers who adopt this system often report fewer cases of calf scours, reduced treatment rates, and improved calf survival. These benefits can also translate into lower labor demands and decreased treatment costs.
Additional advantages include improved observation and recordkeeping. Smaller groups of cow-calf pairs allow producers to monitor health more closely, identify problems earlier, and provide targeted care when needed. The system can also support broader biosecurity efforts, including isolation of sick calves and maintaining cleaner calving areas.
Implementing the Sandhills calving system does require advance planning. Pasture availability, water access, shelter, forage use, and weather conditions must be considered. Timing and good stockmanship are especially important when moving pregnant cows. While not a replacement for sound nutrition, vaccination, or overall herd health programs, this system is a valuable management tool. For producers facing recurring calf scours or seeking to improve calving-season efficiency, the Sandhills calving system is worth consideration as a proactive investment in calf health and herd productivity.
