Dealing With Downer Cows

With good preparation, this phenomenon can be prevented in communal areas

- Prof Cheryl McCrindle

The saddest sight at this time of year is a heavily in-calf cow that lies down and never gets up again. A cow in this condition can take between three and seven days to die, depending on whether she has access to water. Old time farmers called August and September die doodmaak maande (the deadly months).

The good news is that this phenomenon can be prevented.

The main cause of the downer cow syndrome on extensive grazing is worn-down teeth. In summer, these animals can survive because the grass is long and soft, but by the end of winter, the grass is short and dry and they need teeth to crop it off.