newborn calf down

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Had a calf born in the middle of a blue norther yesterday. He was up and doing OK yesterday afternoon, but when I got home from work, down flat and limp. Mom bagged up big, doesn't look like he sucked much at all.

Have him in the bathroom with blanket, heating pad on low, and have tube fed him milk replacer. I don't have a way to pen up Mom to milk her out by myself. He is still flat out and not very responsive. Blink reflex, but no suck response. His lungs sound clear, but he breathes with a catch in it. Heart sounds good.

I gave him an antibiotic shot just in case he was trying to get pneumonia. Any other suggestions? Think I am wasting my time?

Think

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), February 11, 2002

Answers

Let's not give up yet, but to be honest, without colostrum, you have your work cut out for you. Do you know anyone who has some goat or cow colostrum in their freezer? He will not get the full benefit as if he had it within a couple of hours after birth, but he could still benefit from some of the nutrients, etc. What breed and size is the calf? Are you experienced and know how much to feed him at a time, or do you need help with that? I wouldn't be surprised if after a couple of tubings of warm replacer he begins to respond. If so, let us all know; there may be a couple of problems to come later due to the lack of colostrum right after birth, but we can deal with them when the time comes. You might still be able to return him to the cow if he bucks up in the next day or so.

-- Dianne Wood - Woodland, WA (woodgoat@pacifier.com), February 12, 2002.

There is a powdered colostrum usually the vet carries it or check your farm supply store.It worked for us,we saved a calf in this manner....his momma wouldn't accept her.You may have to literally have patience and get it in the calf by whatever means...they are too expensive to give up Hang in there.

-- carla (herbs@computer-concepts.com), February 12, 2002.

When I got up just before 2:00 AM, he was dead. Thanks for suggestions, help, etc. I know more for next time.

-- Rose (open_rose@Hotmail.com), February 12, 2002.

Colostrum is a good thing to keep in your freezer for emergencies. Whether it be goats, cows, etc.... If you have a dairy close you can probably get some for free. We always keep a gallon or two in the freezer and swap it out with fresh every 3 or 4 months. You must get the colostrum down them as soon after birth as possible. I have heard that after 10 or 12 hours that it is too late. Some say that there is a chance before 24. I really don't know. I just know that it has saved more than one of ours! So sorry about the calf. It is hard to lost them! Watch that mama for mastitis.

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), February 12, 2002.

It's time to start a massive search for some colostrum. I can get it here in Kentucky at the COOP. Call all around and even check with other farmers. It won't hurt to get him an antibiotic right away.

-- Joel Combs (bjcnjwc@yahoo.com), February 18, 2002.


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