Finally a Heifer!

[Countrygrl3]

Hey all,

Last night my Jersey gave birth to our first heifer! Once I figure out this picture thing I will post a picture of her.

Our other calves were all bulls so we just sold them once they were a couple weeks old, they really just fended for themselves. This little gal we are planning to keep, so are there any long term things I need to do to keep her healthy? The biggest thing right now is Im not sure If she has nursed yet, and judging from the size of her moma's udder she definatly hasn't. Other than actually catching her in the act is there any way to tell? Should I try to see if she will take any colostrum? Thanks so much everyone you all are the best!

Sue

[Hammer4]

A lot of folks recomend dipping the cord in iodine solution to prevent infections.

As far as nursing I would just watch from a distance and keep an eye on the calf for the classic milk mustache look. I have had some I swore weren't nursing but then I see them with their whole nose covered in milk to prove me wrong, haha.

Nothing you really have to do, mother nature should take care of it as long as this cow has taken good care of her calves in the past.

[Up North]

Just a few thoughts to add to Hammer4's good response. As I have learned from others on this forum, dipping navels on beef calves is probably unnescessary, as mothers lick them clean and they are out in more natural environment. Still believe it's a good idea to dip dairy calves with a 7% iodine solution(In fact I did one three hours ago) because dairy calves tend to be around milking barns, etc.- more chance of lying in dirty bedding or a splotch of manure. This is done to avoid Navel Ill, an infection which leads to swelling of knee joints.
Hammer4's approach of watching is good. If, however, calf is not nursing and has not recieved colostrum, we would strip an appropriate amount into a calf bottle and feed calf to know 100% that it recieved it's colostrum. Without the antibodies in the colostrum, a calf's chance of survival is greatly reduced.
Congratulations on the heifer!!!!!!!