How do you bottle feed a stubborn calf?

Getting Started. Let the calf start sucking on your fingers, something that comes naturally to almost all calves. As he sucks, slide the nipple of the bottle into his mouth and then slowly take your fingers out. It may take a few tries for him to accept the bottle, so be persistent.

How long does it take for a calf to stand up after birth?

Calves should stand and nurse within 2 hours of birth if everything is normal and weather is not severe. For maximum antibody exposure from the colostrum, calves need to nurse within four hours of birth. Cows should be checked to see if they have been nursed or calves should be assisted in nursing.

What can you do for a weak baby calf?

Identify the weak calves and institute special care – If the calf is slow to stand and nurse, intervention is necessary. It is important to dry the calf off, dip or spray the navel with disinfectant, warm the calf, and feed colostrum with an esophageal feeder.

Can calves survive without colostrum?

A calf that does not get a proper amount of colostrum soon enough following birth, will not form a mature immune system until about 6 months of age. A farm/ranch environment is much too contaminated with everyday germs, viruses, and bacteria for a calf to live half a year with little to no immunity.

What to do when a cow can’t get up?

So, what should you do if you have a down cow (or calf or bull) on your place? Immediately roll her up onto her chest so she is sitting up. Use hay bales or a vehicle to prop her up so that she is stable. Lying flat on her side can cause her to bloat, which can be rapidly fatal.

How do you resuscitate a newborn calf?

If the calf is not breathing, try the following methods:

  1. Pour cold water over its head; this will help to shock the calf into breathing.
  2. Vigorously rub its body with towels or bedding.
  3. Place a finger or straw in the nose to initiate the gasp reflex.