OMG it is so HOT, what do I do?

stormywood · #1 07/13/09, 06:59 AM

I have a bottle baby, a boy charlois mix about 5 weeks old about 150 pounds. He is eating 2 quarts of medicated milk replacer am and pm, hay and all grain. I haven't seen him drink from his water dish yet. Anyway, it is suppose to be close to 110 here today, lots of humidity. I am worried about him so much. He does not appear dehydrated, yet. I lost my other calf Elvis on Saturday from pnemonia, I'm still devastated. Stevie, the calf I'm concerned about had a Baytril shot Saturday from the vet. Anyway my question is, is it alright for me to give Stevie bottles of water or gatoraide thru out the day? This is worse than being a first time Mom, ya know always running to the ER. He does have lots of shade. Or great now we have a summer shower. Yes he has shelter. Okay, another question, is there a "cow" school folks can go to? I have so much to learn! Making myself sick!

topside1 · #2 07/13/09, 07:30 AM

Stormy, I'd leave him in the paddock for the day. Shade, fresh air, and access to water. Penning up animals during a heat wave is not a good idea so avoid that. He should have been drinking water weeks ago, but if you feel the need to go ahead and will him water via bottle (noon-time), I'd stay away from the gatorade, although I have used it in the past. If you have the time and $$ just buy a bag of "bounce back", mix and serve at noon-time......Topside

**Terri** · #3 07/13/09, 08:16 AM

Can you make it rain with the hose? Wet hair might help a bit.

shagerman · #4 07/13/09, 08:57 AM

try to give him a bottle of water. after the milk, thats what i do.

francismilker · #5 07/13/09, 10:10 AM

Stormy,
One thing you have to remember about animals and heat is that they're for the most part acclimatized to it. (Although there is those days when it is just extremely hot or cold) While we run in and out of the AC during the day and see that it's noticibly hot, they're in it all the time. If the animal is 5 weeks old and there's water and shade in the pen, I'd not worry about it much. If you are concerned about it and need some mental rest about it, wire a box fan to a post nearby where he lays in the shade to give him some air movement.
As far as the water hose goes, I'd shy away from spraying him down with water if it's hot out because this can cause shock. If you want to use water to keep him cool, try tying a soaker hose along the top of a fence and adjust it so the water is optional.

Madsaw · #6 07/13/09, 10:30 AM

I would go and give him a bottle of electrolytes around midday. Not cold but luke warm This will help keep his vital vitamins and minerals built up and will give him extra fluids. Thisis better tha gatorade.
Also with cattle I would not wet the hair down. I am not sure but this may cause over heating worse by matting the hair down and not allowing natural air movment to cool them. If at all else if there is no breeze. If you could get a old box fan and provide some air for him.
Bob

mary,tx · #7 07/13/09, 11:20 AM

We have been having 100+ temps nearly every day since mid-June. Not very pleasant, but I haven't concerned myself a bit about the stock. They have shade and breezes, and water. That would be my only concern with yours, that he does not appear to be drinking. I'd place his water bucket near where you are feeding and bottling him so he is sure to find it.

DaleK · #8 07/13/09, 11:39 AM

Get him off the bottle and drinking milk from a pail, then he'll be more used to it.

arcticow · #9 07/13/09, 01:44 PM

NO offense, but stock got more sense than people in hot weather. They hit shade & breeze & stay put 'till it cools down. If he is really needing water, instinct will take over & he will drink.

ksfarmer · #10 07/13/09, 04:05 PM

One thing not emphasized enough is fly control. Cattle will sometimes avoid shady areas because the flies are worse there.

stormywood · #11 07/14/09, 06:32 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. My Stevie does have more sense than me! He stayed in the shade and I saw him drinking out of his water! Guess I'm just an overprotective Mama!

bigmudder77 · #12 07/17/09, 10:21 PM

o ya he will know what is right we have had some stupid cows that would lay in the hot sun all day and not come in for any water but most will find shade and stay there till it cools off

but ya get him on a bucket ASAP he will drink water faster when there on the bucket

tyusclan · #13 07/18/09, 06:52 AM

I am always leery of giving water to a calf from a bottle. Excess fluid can cause loose stool, which can lead to scours. As long as you see the calf urinate within a short time after giving the bottle he is not dehydrating and is getting ample fluid.

DO keep water available at all times. As you saw, he'll drink if he needs it.