Calf drinking his own urine

MollyK · #1 04/13/10, 08:20 AM

I just saw him do this for the first time right before I turned him out this morning.

Am I missing something? Do I need to be supplementing him with a certain thing?
He's on Dumor MR 21-60 day and ADM Calf starter.

I'm about to get him started on Vita Ferm as soon as I can find it.

Any suggestions or knowledge would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

ozark_jewels · #2 04/13/10, 08:38 AM

Is this a bull calf?? How old??

**gone-a-milkin** · #3 04/13/10, 08:39 AM

drinking it off the ground?

ozark_jewels · #4 04/13/10, 08:41 AM

If this is a young bull and he is "tasting" pee, that is very normal.

MollyK · #5 04/13/10, 08:50 AM

He is a bull calf, just castrated him a week and a half ago. He's 6 weeks old.

He was not licking it off the ground. Just turned around and lapped it up as it came out.

**gone-a-milkin** · #6 04/13/10, 08:52 AM

Yes that is gross, but normal.

MollyK · #7 04/13/10, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone-a-milkin

Yes that is gross, but normal.

You aren't kidding! He started doing it and I was about to put his halter on and I said Opie that's gross!! stop!

I've never paid this much attention to a calf before becuase they are usually out in the pasture with their mommas! Since I got him a off a dairy farm I watch his every move, so I'm seeing a lot of things that I get worried about that are usually nomal.

Thanks for your help!

ozark_jewels · #8 04/13/10, 10:00 AM

Gross but needful I suppose. Bulls taste cow urine to test if the cow is coming into season. Any bovine feeling hormonal will also do this, cow or bull. Even steers sometimes......though I don't think they can feel *very* hormonal.....

CCCJerseys · #9 04/13/10, 11:48 AM

Yes, it's normal but sometimes it is because they need salt. A salt and/or mineral block might help if he doesnt have acess to one. It grosses me out too.
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