OSU Extension on call for calving season questions21 February 2024 21 February 2024 3 minute read 3 minute read By: By: Oklahoma State University North AmericaAs cows and heifers have their babies over the next few months, Oklahoma State University Extension is a trusted resource for ranchers with any calving questions. No matter the weather, Rosslyn Biggs, an OSU Extension beef cattle specialist and veterinarian, said ranchers should be ready to assist during labor or delivery. “We only need to wait 30 minutes on mature cows, and we shouldn’t wait any longer than an hour with first-calf heifers,” Biggs said. “I like to see a calf get colostrum from the cow in four to six hours after birth,” Biggs said. Biggs discusses the causes and treatment for calves with persistent scours and provides a step-by-step set of calving instructions in the OSU College of Veterinary’s Veterinary Viewpoints column.