The gestation length is the number of days that it takes the fetus to develop into a calf. Most cattle gestation charts are based on the 283-day gestation period. However, the actual cow gestation period lies between 279 and 295 days.
This guide provides insights into the cow gestation period and how to take proper care of pregnant animals.
Cow Gestation Table
Over the centuries, breeds of cattle have evolved and now have shorter gestation periods. Apart from genetics, there are other factors that can influence the gestation length of cows.
The gestation period varies between the various breeds of cattle:
| Breed | Length |
| Holstein-Friesian | 279 days |
| Norwegian Red | 281 days |
| Jersey | 283 days |
| Montbéliarde | 287 days |
| Ayrshire | 289 days |
| Brown Swiss | 291 days |
| Belted Galloway | 284 days |
| Aberdeen Angus | 283 days |
| Saler | 285 days |
| Belgian Blue | 286 days |
| Limousin | 261 days |
| Blonde D’Aquitaine | 294 days |
| Charolais | 290 days |
| Hereford | 287 days |
| Aubrac | 286 days |
| Shorthorn | 289 days |
| Simmental | 289 days |
| Speckle Park | 285 days |
| Dexter | 286 days |
| Brahman | 292 days |
| Santa Gertrudis | 287 days |
| Maine Anjou | 283 days |
| Black Angus | 285 days |
| Beefmaster | 287 days |
| Guernsey | 283 days |
| White Park | 287 days |
| Brangus | 283 days |
| Shorthorn | 284 days |
| British White | 283 days |
| Corriente | 283 days |
| Chianina | 292 days |
| Braunvieh | 283 days |
| Murray Grey | 283 days |
| Watusi | 279 days |
| Pinzgauer | 284 days |
| Braford | 285 days |
| Lakenvelder | 283 days |
| Highland | 282 days |
| Gelbvieh | 280 days |
| Texas Longhorn | 283 days |
| Red Angus | 284 days |
| Brahman | 283 days |
| Holstein | 285 days |
| Zebu | 283 days |
| Piedmontese | 279 days |
| Hereford | 283 days |
Cattle pregnant with bull calves have a relatively longer gestation period than those pregnant with heifer calves. Younger cows and first-time mothers also tend to have shorter gestation lengths than older cows.
How To Take Proper Care of The Mother
Cows have unique nutrient requirements at different gestation stages. A cow’s nutritional needs in early gestation are quite similar to her maintenance needs, but do increase as the pregnancy continues to progress.
On the other hand, lactating cows need a higher level of energy and protein than during pregnancy.
As the fetus grows during the last three months of the pregnancy, the cow needs adequate care and attention. During the latter stages of cows gestation, some farmers will massage her under, body, and back, while providing enough space in the barn for drinking, sitting and standing comfortably.
Cows past the third trimester can’t venture too far for grazing or on uneven grounds. Cows channel a lot of their energy to boost the growth and development of the fetus during the last trimester, placing more demand on the cow’s body.
The protein needs of a pregnant cow increase significantly in the later gestation states. You can manage this by separating the pregnant cow from the herd and supplementing her with protein.
A few days before calving, the cow should be kept in a separate airy and clean place with sunlight and proper bedding.