dead calf-what could be the cause?

[harplade]

I'm sort of new to cows. Had a first calf last year, no problems. Have another cow, ready to have her first calf, in good health-just went out and found her baby dead.

I'm wondering what could be the cause, is this a cow that I should send to the slaughterhouse or would it be good to try again with her?

I hate that we waited 9 months and then it's dead. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Harplade

[linn]

If this was a newborn calf, the cow could have had trouble having it. Did she clean herself? Many times if a calf come backwards, the calf will die if the cow does not have help calving. We have found that the cows didn't clean themselves if the calf was born butt first. A couple of years ago, we had a nurse cow that calved two weeks early with a fully developed bull calf. It was born dead. It look normal, but I guess it died in the womb and the cow went into labor to get rid of the dead calf. Lots of things can cause a dead calf. To be sure you could have your vet cut it open.
Next time your cow may calve just fine. It is a chance all of us take. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to keep the cow, if she is young, or sell her.

[harplade]

she was all clean and laying in the field by the calf-protecting it from the dogs. Thanks for your thoughts-we'll probably give her another chance because she is a nice cow (dairy/beef) and is calm, easily stays in good condition, doesn't jump fences, etc. The calf didn't look any too big so I don't think it was too big. The father is a Blonde d'Aquitaine that we used last year.

[springvalley]

Are you going to milk the cow? You could always try and put a bottle calf on her to adopt, at least she will raise something. If you were closer to me I`d sell you a calf and help you get the cow to take it. >Thanks Marc