prem calf

carole · Post by **carole** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:15 pm

Hi
just found a premature calf in the pen. She is about 5 weeks early. Mum does not want to know. So we have brought her home and stomach tubed some colostrum into her and are getting her warmed up. Is there anything else we should be doing or is it just a case of wait and see. Also what sort of feeding intervals should we be doing
Many Thanks
Carole

Edited By carole on 1299852989

marion · Post by **marion** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:29 pm

Carole, Have you seen the thread called 'Premature Dexter' by Minnie, from last August and now on page two? ..marion

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:47 pm

Hi Carole

Vicki (Minnie) has actually done this, so she's best to say, but she's in Australia and probably asleep at the moment, so in the meantime, I'd say little and often, natural colostrum and milk if you can, otherwise manmade or a mix. Not sure that's right but it's what I would do. Warm and dry, lots of attention. Vicki kept hers in the kitchen I think! I'd get her on a bottle if mom is no use at all.

Good luck. Vicki's calf turned out well, you can see the photos.

Edited By Broomcroft on 1299876485

Minnie · Post by **Minnie** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:41 am

Hi Carole,

I got clostrum into her within 24 hours (you've done that so that's great), then I wrapped her in a sloppy joe and blankets in front of the fire (cold at the time) and felt her hooves and ears to ensure she wasn't too hot or too cold, cold I put another crotchet blanket on her hot took off.

I fed her every two hours around the clock and gave her as much as she'd take (measure the amount and measure what's left to get an idea of what she's having).

I took her out into the sun and encouraged her to stand and try and walk.

After the first week I fed her several times a day say about every three hours but left her a bit longer overnight, so I could get a sleep in.

Something you'll notice, Fatima would act like she was fitting and ride bicycles and make awful noises... it was dreaming... but it does put you off, I kept grabbing and shaking her thinking she was dying and she'd wake up. :;):

If it seems like it's got funny tummy (mine was constipated) mix good quality greek yoghurt in the milk about a big spoon for each feed... it won't hurt and it helped Fatima.

Also the vet gave her a broad spectrum antibiotic at about 4 days old, but if you give it be really careful of the nerve.

I stroked and talked to her as well and got a warm washer (face towel) and went over her like her mother licking her...

They need the will to live and stimulation as they grow.

PM me, if you need any thing just in case I don't come to the forum.

Good luck, if you get it through you have a real sense of accomplishment.

Oh her skin got very dry on her brisket and I rubbed paw paw ointment into it, the same as when you go premmie joeys (baby kangaroos).

Let me know, will be thinking of you.

Vicki

Minnie · Post by **Minnie** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:42 am

Couldn't edit, yes I raised her on a bottle.

carole · Post by **carole** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:43 pm

Thank you for all the advice and particularly your thread vicki. Unfortunately the calf died between 2am and 4am so despite best efforts I guess it wasn't to be. At least there was a bonus of one of our full term mums calving this morning (definitely no assistance required there).
Thanks again

P.S Vicki, what's a 'sloppy joe'? I only know it as a type of pizza here :;):

Edited By carole on 1299930392

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:32 pm

Sorry to hear the wee one has not made it. You should have a word with your vet as any calf born more than 10 days early should be investigated. All cattle owners must report any such calvings/abortions, and Animal Health will do a brucellosis investigation. The government pays for this, but it is often wise to ask your vet to do other tests on the cow such as for BVD, IBR, Leptospirosis and Neospora. It does seem fussy when you have only lost one but best to think about it. Dairy herds do not usually need a special investigation for brucellosis as the milk is tested regularly, but beef herds are usually looked at.

Duncan

Minnie · Post by **Minnie** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:40 pm

Hi Carole,

I'm so sorry to hear you lost the little one. I think with Fatima she had such a good sucking thing, sucked my face the whole way home, and has such a determined personality... my bruises attest to this. :;): :laugh:

A sloppy joe is a 'sweat shirt' a fleecy lined top. I had problems when I was in the US some years ago as it was what we call savory mince over there... :laugh:

Glad to hear that you had a good birth to follow.

Vicki

carole · Post by **carole** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:31 pm

Hi, Duncan thanks for the feedback, have to admit did not know that about prem calves (this is our first) and the ministry. Co-incidentally it is our tb test tomorrow so ideal time to chat with vet. Vicki thanks for the info re 'sloppy joes', my lack of 'australian' got me into all sorts of trouble concerning 'thongs' during my recent holiday to Victoria. :D

Minnie · Post by **Minnie** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 2:48 am

Hi Carole,

Yes a thong is entirely different here to the US. :;):

Most of our language leans more towards the British, although younger people would like to think they're Americanised... they aren't quite yet. :;):

Vicki