Worries about calf

kwagner21 · #1 05/15/11, 11:59 AM

I have a heifer calf, jersey/ holstein that I am worried about. She is about a month and a half old and on the bucket w/ milk replacer. I got her just over a week ago and she had been doing great. but when i went out this morning to feed, the other 2 calves came running over for food, but she just stayed in the run in. I wentout to her and she got up and when got there and drank all the bucket, but without a much tail wagging. I also noticed there was a manure pile right there that was kind of mustard yellow but not runny. her piles had been dark, kinda green from the grass. i went out a little later to check on her and i noticed her nose was dry. i don't have a thermometer to take her temp. i don't know if i am over reacting or what but from what i gather things can happen really quick with calves. any ideas?

bruce2288 · #2 05/15/11, 12:47 PM

If a calf is lethagic and droopy ears it is sick. How sick? Hard to tell over computer. She ate a good sign. A shot of banamine would make her feel better and do know harm. I would guess a respirtory infection if I had to guess. Nuflor injection is what I would do. Caution, this advice is worth exactly what you paid for it. Hope your calf is bucking and grazing when you go back out.

Ronney · #3 05/15/11, 05:36 PM

Hi there, below are a couple of links to recent threads on this problem. Also read the sticky on Sale/Bottle calves that appears at the top of the cattle section.

Your little calf is suffering the stress of transportation, change of environment, new voices and handling, new everything. Take her off milk for the next 24 hours, feed her electrolytes and ensure she has access to fresh water. If she will eat hay, grass or whatever type of calf feed you use, let her have it. The feeding of electrolytes is important to maintain energy and to stop dehydration.

When you put her back on milk, build the amount up slowly over a few days.

3 sick Jersey bull calves

the new calf (and problems with him)

Hope this is of some help,
Cheers,
Ronnie

kwagner21 · #4 05/15/11, 08:06 PM

She seems to be doing a little better now. Out grazing and hanging out with the other calves instead of alone. And she was more into the milk this afternoon. I have had her for about a month now so I didn't think it was transport shock but I don't know, so I asked. I'll see how she is doing in the morning.