Hauling Close to Calving

[NBL]

What are everyone's thoughts on hauling cows just before calving.  I have some I would like to get closer, where it is easier to check at nights.  I would give them plenty of room on the trailer.  Do you think this affects them? if so, what do you all think would be the cut-off datt?  Two weeks before due, etc?  Thanks in advance.

 

[chambero]

I wouldnt haul them hundreds of miles, but just moving them from pasture to another doesnt hurt a thing.  As far as time, as long as they arent in labor.

 

[cowcrazy]

How far are you talking about hauling them would be my question - a few hours or a lot further? We try to move ours a month before calving, but usually it ends up happening a week before for some reason. We have not had any problems, but we are just hauling two hours away. We normally put the cows being hauled in a small area by themself for a day or two after they arrive so they do not get bullied by the rest of the cows at the new location. Most of our cows are AI cows, so we are pretty confident of their due date.

 

[NBL]

I'm hauling about 10 miles, not very far at all. I was thinking about hauling about two weeks before.

 

[frostback]

I haul mine 20 miles, 2 weeks before calving. Have done so for years and have had no problems that I can contribute to hauling.

 

[ZNT]

Watch them close after hauling.  Even a little ride in the trailer can be just enough to put a cow into labor if they are close. New surroundings can also stimulate a cow enough to go into labor.

Maybe take one for a ride around the block for a "drug free" labor induction???

 

[jagerbeef]

I have a buddy who bought two bred heifers from the Pryority One sale.  One was due February 27, and the other March 5.  The March 5 calved a week ago and had a healthy 45# heifer calf and the other heifer it didn't affect her.  The cattle were loaded Sunday morning and driven straight to Michigan. 
Every cow is going to act differently and like other people have said you just have to watch them.