Cow wouldn't let new calf nurse

[Maria]

The calf had trouble finding the low udder on our short legged Dexter, and when she even came close, the mama cow would kick her. After about 6 hours of this the calf was looking pretty weak, so we put a halter on the cow and tied her to a post and tied her leg back so she couldn't kick. I held the calf up to the udder and helped her find the teat. I had to snatch her back again every time the cow started to struggle , but she got a pretty good meal.

The next day I saw the calf get up from a nap and nurse without problem, so thankfully it was a one time only problem. She seems to love the calf, and licks her constantly, but couldn't stand to allow her to nurse that first time. Weird.

This was our first calf born on the place.

[B Adams]

good job with the pair, sometimes all it takes is a little effort. Well done.
B Adams

[Patt]

Glad it all worked out! Sometimes first timers can be a bit weird. I had a first time Dun Dexter who didn't kick she just kept turning around every time the calf would get close enough to start to nurse. I finally tied her up too and after that they were fine. No problems with her next calf.

[Maria]

Oh, I didn't mean this was her first calf- it's the first calf we've had born on our place. We are newbie cow owners. According to the previous owner, last year's calf was born in cold weather and died. According to the owner before that, the year before last's calf was born without problems, but no word as to whether the cow actually nursed the calf or not. Maybe they made a bottle baby of it?

Maybe this was her first time having to actually nurse a calf?

I don't know, I just hope we don't have to repeat the lesson next year!

[Patt]

If she took to the calf ok once you tied her I don't think you'll have anymore problems. ) I'd still watch out for her just in case next year but she'll most likely do fine!

[Sher]

Sometimes the teat can have a plug that the calf cannot dislodge. Meantime, the milk and pressure keep building so that the teat gets really sore. I think some cows are just prone to this.

Great job!

[Tiffin]

We had to help a newborn calf to nurse also. Mom was fine but baby had a hard time finding teats on short legged Dexter. Doing great now.
Another, but long legged new mom was kicking. Same thing, tie the legs and make her accept baby. Again, all is well. Does this happen with wild life? probably not otherwise baby dies.