Cow Gestation Table: How To Take Proper Care of The Mother

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:

BreedLength
Holstein-Friesian279 days
Norwegian Red281 days
Jersey283 days
Montbéliarde287 days
Ayrshire289 days
Brown Swiss291 days
Belted Galloway284 days
Aberdeen Angus283 days
Saler285 days
Belgian Blue286 days
Limousin261 days
Blonde D’Aquitaine294 days
Charolais290 days
Hereford287 days
Aubrac286 days
Shorthorn289 days
Simmental289 days
Speckle Park285 days
Dexter286 days
Brahman292 days
Santa Gertrudis287 days
Maine Anjou283 days
Black Angus285 days
Beefmaster287 days
Guernsey283 days
White Park287 days
Brangus283 days
Shorthorn284 days
British White283 days
Corriente283 days
Chianina292 days
Braunvieh283 days
Murray Grey283 days
Watusi279 days
Pinzgauer284 days
Braford285 days
Lakenvelder283 days
Highland282 days
Gelbvieh280 days
Texas Longhorn283 days
Red Angus284 days
Brahman283 days
Holstein285 days
Zebu283 days
Piedmontese279 days
Hereford283 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.

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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.

Patrick Anampiu

Patrick is an avid pet lover and passionate writer who enjoys crafting stories and feels most alive when telling stories about people whose lives have been enriched by their pets. When not writing and raising cows, Patrick enjoys traveling and exploring nature in all its beauty.

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