Bovines for Beginners

RachieT123 · #1 11/23/14, 09:35 AM

Just wondering if you can recommend some bovine for beginners reading material? Just picked up a 10 day old bum calf (was on cow for 6 days and bucket fed until we picked her up) and don't want to harrass this forum with my 10,000 questions. I have done some searching of the forum but still have some questions.

Jennifer L. · #2 11/23/14, 10:04 AM

Oh, we're pigs for punishment here. Go ahead and ask.

topside1 · #3 11/23/14, 10:54 AM

Fire away, I've raised over 80 bottle calves during the past 10 years....Topside

arnie · #4 11/23/14, 11:45 AM

of course ask any question ; but i'v read a few good books and keep them on hand to boost my memory nothing is like a library filled with knowledge . a good book is "Raiseing a calf for beef " I have raised several bottle calves and experience has taught me that if you are starting with a healthy calf that was allowed to stay with its mom and get plenty of colstrum you have most of the battle won . now at your home do not over feed it and make sure it is in a draft free stall with DRY bedding .

RachieT123 · #5 11/23/14, 07:35 PM

Okay so first question is what should I do for an overfed half. Our calf started having diarrhea and I realized I misread the instructions on the bag and have been overfeeding her by a pretty decent amount. Is there anything I can do? I am worried as I know they can go down hill pretty quick with diarrhea. I started her on some electrolytes but now worry that I just added to the issue of ODing her on feed. Her last feeding which was too much was about 30 min ago. Should I skip the morning feeding?

SpaceCadet12364 · #6 11/23/14, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachieT123

Okay so first question is what should I do for an overfed half. Our calf started having diarrhea and I realized I misread the instructions on the bag and have been overfeeding her by a pretty decent amount. Is there anything I can do? I am worried as I know they can go down hill pretty quick with diarrhea. I started her on some electrolytes but now worry that I just added to the issue of ODing her on feed. Her last feeding which was too much was about 30 min ago. Should I skip the morning feeding?

No just cut back amount you are feeding her. Per feeding. and get your supply's for just in case.

RachieT123 · #7 11/23/14, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet12364

No just cut back amount you are feeding her. Per feeding. and get your supply's for just in case.

Can you elaborate on the supplies? I have electrolytes, bolus pills, a thermometer and is on medicated milk based replacer.
. What should I add?

martysmith36 · #8 11/23/14, 09:47 PM

Don't know what kind of electrolytes you have but I bought mine from Tsc and they had a thickening agent in them. They where a miracle so much better than ones I picked up from other feed stores. Cleared my calf up in 2 days. Just a thought.

RachieT123 · #9 11/23/14, 10:48 PM

I got the same ones from TSC. More questions.
1) once she recovers from this at what age do I introduce grain? She is 2 weeks old currently and was with her mom for 8 days.
2) What age can I introduce her to a larger pen? She will be living with my goats and potentially my horses once she is old enough to fend for herself.
3) Is there a feeding chart out there for what she will need as she ages as far as amounts and frequency of milk and grain? The milk replacer just says to feed 2 quarts twice a day but that doesn't seem like much for an older calf.
4) immunizations and worming what all does she need and at what age?

idigbeets · #10 11/24/14, 05:29 AM

buy Blowey's veterinary book for dairy farmers.... it will give you mountains of knowledge in an easy to read format, lots of pictures, how to's, common problems etc.

SpaceCadet12364 · #11 11/24/14, 06:23 AM

We keep something on hand to treat common ailments. (La-200, Supra Sulfa3,Pink eye spray, Electrolytes) Kept in spare fridge. So we can start treating before we goto the vet. And if a little one gets sick don't wait long before you take them to a vet they go downhill faster then a big one. Use non soy based MR. Use a Milk Based one. Introduce hay and grain at about a week old. Give a good mineral/salt block and fresh water from the start. For grain use a calf starter. Vac. at 3 mos. or older. We like to feed heifers to at least 3mos. before weaning. You can turn them out during the day with other animals as long as they don't get bullied by the others then bring them in to feed them and for the night. If one of the larger animals is a bully they can kill them quick. No mom No defence.

jwal10 · #12 11/24/14, 03:44 PM

Always fresh water, a tiny amount of good hay to play with and nibble. A good feed grain, sweet feed or calf manna type feed. You can put a little in the palm of your hand, palm up, in mouth, calf will suck. Good way to check that mouth is warm. Only feed what they clean up so it stays fresh as they progress. 2 types of scours, over fed or sick, overfed just back off a little, Give same amount of water, less replacer. Eyes bright at all times or they may be getting sick, warm mouth-healthy. I like the little ones on a nipple, keeps the sucking reflex and the mouth warm. Also like them happy to see me-a little hungry is always good. I know they feel good if they come running....James