My dexter Jewel had her calf

jimwho · #1 02/09/13, 06:57 AM

My heifer Jewel had her calf it has been 3 hours an the calf has not stood up yet is this normal? I'm starting to worry.

Rocktown Gal · #2 02/09/13, 07:36 AM

I would say that calf should be up by now. It may be too weak to get up on its own. Have you checked it?

Has the calf been cleaned. If not the mother knows there is a problem.

homemaid · #3 02/09/13, 07:54 AM

Congrats on the new baby... I would think it should be up by now. Go out and check it !! Hope it is ok.... Keep us posted....

BlackWillowFarm · #4 02/09/13, 08:24 AM

When I have a calf that is slow to stand up I usually end up milking colostrum and bottle feeding it for the first couple of feedings. That seems to get them going enough to get up on their own. Especially if it's cold outside. I milk my cows and pull the calves at birth now, but in the past I would bottle a slow calf. Never lost one yet.

It's important to get colostrum in them in the first twelve hours, the sooner the better.

jimwho · #5 02/09/13, 09:38 AM

Jewel's bull calf died a little while ago

genebo · #6 02/09/13, 10:22 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that.

The common treatment for a weak calf is a shot of selenium and vitamin E.

The condition is called white muscle disease and is an indication that you have a selenium deficiency. The cow could benefit from some added selenium, too.

You may have to provide a selenium rich mineral to your cattle. Check with your local agricultural agent for the selenium level in your area and get his recommendation for how much to supplement.

Selenium deficiency is a problem in many areas.

http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/newslett...4/aps-313.html

Rocktown Gal · #7 02/09/13, 10:37 AM

I'm sorry to hear you lost the calf

jimwho · #8 02/09/13, 11:09 AM

Thanks everyone.

genebo, i check on Jewel this morning at 1 she was find then eating hay in the barn.My wife woke me up at 5:30 i went out and check on her she had the calf outside. I took him inside Jewel started to clean him and i dried him off. I tried to get him to drink his mom's milk but i think he was to cold. So i took him into the house to warm him up and give him some colostrum but i think he was to cold for to long.

BlackWillowFarm · #9 02/09/13, 12:31 PM

Sorry you lost the calf.

WJMartin · #10 02/09/13, 12:34 PM

So sorry. This is the hard part of raising animals.

copperhead46 · #11 02/09/13, 07:06 PM

thats just so sad, it's a great investment we put in these babies, and when we lose one it's hard, I'm really sorry.