Calving & Lambing Checklist: How to Prepare for a Successful Season

Why Preparation Makes All the Difference

Calving and lambing are the most critical — and demanding — periods in the farming calendar. A well-prepared farm means fewer emergencies, healthier animals, and less stress for you and your team. This checklist covers everything you need to have in place before the first calf or lamb arrives.

1. Facilities & Housing

• Deep-clean and disinfect calving/lambing pens well in advance
• Ensure adequate bedding (straw) is stocked and dry
• Check lighting — good visibility is essential for night checks
• Confirm pens are draught-free but well-ventilated
• Have a dedicated isolation pen ready for any sick animals

2. Equipment Checklist

• Calving/lambing ropes and lubricant
• Calving jack (use only when necessary and with care)
• Stomach tube and feeder for colostrum administration
• Lamb/calf warming box or heat lamp
• Ear tags, applicator, and movement records
• Weighing scales
• Clean towels and gloves

3. Nutrition & Colostrum

Colostrum is the single most important factor in newborn survival. Ensure:

• Cows and ewes are on a rising plane of nutrition in the final weeks
• Colostrum is available — either from the dam or a quality colostrum supplement
• Calves receive at least 3 litres within the first 2 hours of birth
• Lambs receive colostrum within 30 minutes of birth (10% of bodyweight in the first 24 hours)

4. Health & Veterinary Supplies

Work with your vet to ensure you have the following on hand:

• Electrolytes for scouring calves and lambs
• Iodine for navel dipping
• Oxytocin (prescription only — discuss with your vet)
• Selenium/vitamin E if deficiency is a risk on your farm
• Thermometer
• Relevant vaccines administered at the correct pre-lambing/calving interval

Browse our full range of Animal Health Products & Wormers to stock up ahead of the season.

5. Record Keeping

• Have movement and medicine records ready
• Tag all calves within 20 days of birth (UK legal requirement)
• Register births with BCMS (cattle) or EIDCymru/ScotEID (sheep) promptly

6. Staffing & Rota

• Plan night-check rotas in advance
• Brief all staff on calving/lambing protocols and when to call the vet
• Have your vet's emergency number clearly posted

Final Thought

The best calving and lambing seasons are the ones you've planned for. A little preparation in the weeks before goes a long way when things get busy at 2am. If you need to restock supplies, our Animal Health range and Cattle Feed & Supplies are here to help you get set.