Post-calving struggles leave farmers fearing cattle losses

Farmers in the Matobo district have raised an alarm over growing difficulties in managing cattle after calving, warning that poor post-birth care is leading to delayed breeding, herd losses, and rising threats to household food security.

Several farmers told CITE that many cows fail to return to heat in time after giving birth, a condition known as postpartum anestrus, making it difficult to maintain regular breeding cycles.

Mthokozisi Ndlovu, a communal farmer in the area, said the period after calving is proving critical and costly.

“If a cow does not recover properly after calving, we can lose a whole year of breeding,” he said. “Last year, I lost three of my best cows because their body condition was poor and they could not breed again.”

He said farmers are now taking preventative measures ahead of the next calving season, including supplementary feeding, improving grazing areas and monitoring individual animals.

“Every farmer here is worried, because cattle are our livelihood,” Ndlovu said. “Losing them means losing our future and food security.”

Another farmer, Lethabo Ncube, said younger cows face even greater risks because their bodies are still developing while they are nursing calves.

“First-calf heifers especially need more care to make sure they return to heat on time,” she said. “Last year, I lost two young cows that failed to breed again, and it affected my whole plan.”

Ncube said farmers are now improving feeding before and after calving, monitoring body condition scores and, in some cases, temporarily separating calves to stimulate breeding.

“If we do not do these things properly, we risk losing even more cattle,” she warned.

Thulani Dube, another farmer in Matobo, said losses are often linked to poor planning during the postpartum period rather than feeding alone.

“It is not just about feeding cows it is also about managing timing and stimulation for them to breed again,” he said.

He noted that while bulls or teaser bulls can help stimulate heat, many farmers cannot afford extra animals.

“Last year, several of my neighbours lost cows because nutrition and breeding plans were not followed,” Dube said. “This year, I am monitoring body condition carefully and using temporary weaning when necessary. We are worried, but we are trying everything to avoid more losses.”

Animal specialist Nqobani Manyabi of EL Ganado Consultancy said the period after calving is one of the most critical stages in beef production.

“Beef cows have only about 80 to 85 days after calving to return to estrus if they are to maintain a yearly calving interval,” he said. “Failure to manage this postpartum interval is one of the major causes of reproductive loss, especially in young cows.”

He explained that after calving, cows undergo uterine involution, the process by which the uterus returns to its normal state, which typically takes between 20 and 40 days if no complications occur.

“Research shows that body condition at calving has the greatest impact on re-breeding performance,” Manyabi said.

He said mature cows should ideally reach a body condition score (BCS) of 5 to 5.5 on a nine-point scale by breeding time, while first-calf heifers should reach 5.5 to 6.

“Farmers should have a nutritional plan for each class of animal,” he said, adding that improving nutrition in the final trimester before calving can significantly boost reproductive performance.

Manyabi also said suckling suppresses hormone secretion needed for cows to return to heat.

“Temporary weaning of calves for five to seven days, around 40 days after birth, can stimulate oestrous and conception,” he said. “Introducing bulls or teaser bulls can also help.”