Help Baby Calves Start Breathing

myersfarm · #1 01/30/12, 01:42 PM

Just got this email...I thought I would repost it from a Specialist

Help Baby Calves Start Breathing

Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Specialist

All baby calves are born with some degree of respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is the buildup of by-products of carbon dioxide and a deficiency of oxygen. As the calf passes through the birth canal, it undergoes this buildup of carbon dioxide and its metabolites, and a deficiency of oxygen. When any baby calf is first born, it will gasp for air and pant for a few minutes in an effort to correct the carbon dioxide/oxygen unbalance in the circulatory system.

Therefore, when a calf is completely delivered, primary attention is directed toward establishing respiration. Mucus and fetal fluids should be removed from the nose and mouth by cleaning these air pathways with your fingers and thumbs. These actions are important for any calf that is assisted during the “calving” process, but they are critical for those calves that come backwards. The common practice of suspending the calf for an extended time by it hindlegs to "clear the lungs", must be questioned. Most of the fluids that drain from the mouth of these calves probably come from the stomach, and the weight of the intestines on the diaphragm makes expansion of the lungs difficult, if not impossible.

Respiration is stimulated by many factors, but only ventilation of the lungs, allow us to render help immediately. The phrenic nerve can be stimulated with a sharp tap on the chest slightly above and behind where the heartbeat can be felt. Brisk rubbing of the skin (if the calf has not had frost bite) can be helpful in stimulating circulation and breathing activity. Perhaps the most effective and simple approach to stimulating the first breathing activity is by tickling inside of the nostril with a stiff piece of straw. The vigorous tickling stimulation of the nostrils will cause the diaphragm of the calf to have a noticeable reflex. As the calf snorts and coughs in reaction to the straw stimulation, the lungs expand and air is taken in. Many ranchers report that this is a very effective way to get a baby calf started on the necessary process of rapid breathing.

Baby calves that are delivered unassisted, but were subjected to a very long stage 2 of delivery, may be deprived of oxygen long enough to cause some brain damage. This is often the cause of the “dummy” calf that seems to be unalert and unwilling to nurse without assistance.

Always know your own limitations. If you find a calving situation that you cannot solve yourself in a short time, contact a large animal veterinarian as soon as possible. With the record high prices of calves in 2012, saving every calf is more important than ever.

springvalley · #2 01/30/12, 01:53 PM

Yep, we have done this for generations, the ole straw up the nostril trick works wonders, we also, if we have had trouble delivering the calf (backwards) we take and lay the calf over the cow(if she is laying down) with it`s head down, this allows the mucus to drain out of it`s mouth and nose allowing it to breath more freely. But if the cow is up a bale of straw or hay will work also. It amazes me that the Universities find out what a lot of the old ranchers have known for generations. > Thanks Marc

haypoint · #3 01/30/12, 02:14 PM

I've done this "little trick" a few times.
Recently, on the History Channel, Larry the Cable Guy visited a huge Wisconsin dairy farm. He helped deliver a calf. The farmhand used a piece of straw to stimulate the newborn.
Good for everyone to know.

Cindy in KY · #4 01/30/12, 03:46 PM

Hey, we watched Larry at the big Dairy too. 9K calves. 7K cows milked 3 times a day on 3 carousels. Yep, straw up the nostrils.

myersfarm · #5 01/30/12, 03:52 PM

Springvalley I know we do what works for us

but this says NOT TO LIFT HIND LEGS OVER HEAD to get the mucus out that the stomach

The common practice of suspending the calf for an extended time by it hindlegs to "clear the lungs", must be questioned. Most of the fluids that drain from the mouth of these calves probably come from the stomach, and the weight of the intestines on the diaphragm makes expansion of the lungs difficult, if not impossible

tinknal · #6 01/30/12, 05:11 PM

I've used the straw trick many times, but the absolute best way to get a slow breather going is a pinch of snoose up the nose. It is amazing. I've had calves not breathing with their eyes rolled back in their head spring to life instantly with one little pinch of Copenhagen.

ksfarmer · #7 01/30/12, 05:56 PM

I used the straw tickle many a time, usually worked too. Also saw a vet pull a backward calf, then grip his back legs and swing him around in a circle to let centrifical force clear the airways. He said this works as long as you have a good grip, otherwise the calf can slip and have a rough landing.