Jeanne - Simme Valley
Well-known member
The following article was in Cow/Calf Weekly:
Weak-born calves can be caused by a number of different infectious and non-infectious conditions, with such conditions this spring most probably related to the physical condition of the cow, says Charles Stoltenow, North Dakota State University Extension DVM.
Writing in the Ohio Beef Cattle Letter, Stoltenow says the thinner the cow or heifer, the more likely the occurrence of weak calves. But, that's only the first hurdle. The second will be the immune status of the calf during the early days of its life.
"Neonatal calves depend on the cow for all physical and mental development prior to calving. All muscle tissue, nerve fibers and energy reserves present in the calf are dependent on the nutritional status of the cow. Cold weather and snow have significantly increased the protein and energy requirements of the cow," he says.
The best cure for weak calves is prevention. Cows and heifers in a good body condition score (BCS) of 5-6 have stronger calves than thin cows and heifers (BCS 3-4). Calves stand quicker and nurse sooner.
"Cows and heifers in good condition also produce more colostrum than cows and heifers in thin condition. For adequate production of muscle, nervous tissue, and energy reserves in the calves, cows and heifers need adequate protein and energy in their diet," Stoltenow says.
Whether or not a calf is born weak, all calves require colostrums soon after calving to have a fighting chance of survival. Colostrum, the first milk from the dam, is high in antibodies, which bolster the newborn's limited immune system.
A calf needs to consume 5-6% of its body weight within the first six hours of life and again before 12 hours of life, Stoltenow says. For an 80-lb. calf, that's 2 qts. of colostrum/feeding.
"This is important because the calf's digestive tract undergoes 'intestinal closure,'" Stoltenow says. "Specialized absorptive cells in the calf's gut are sloughed and the transport of antibodies from inside the gut to the circulatory system inside the calf is no longer possible. Since the calf can't produce its own antibodies until 4-6 weeks of age, it's totally dependent on antibodies derived from the colostrum for protection in its early life."
Before going into calving season, Stoltenow says producers should identify a source of colostrum in case it's needed. Colostrum can be stored by freezing, and can be obtained from late-term cows or heifers with stillborn calves, from heavy-producing cows (but make sure her calf receives adequate colostrum before taking any), or from some dairy farms. There are also colostrum supplements available from veterinarians and veterinary outlets that can provide substantial doses of antibodies to newborn calves, he says.
"Whatever the colostrum source, the same time constraints are in effect. The colostrum should be consumed within the first 6-12 hours of life of the calf. The key to assuring adequate colostrum for your calf crop is being prepared," Stoltenow says.
-- Ohio Beef Cattle Letter
But, I personnally would advise AGAINST getting colostrum from a dairy, unless it is certified free of Johnes Disease.
Weak-born calves can be caused by a number of different infectious and non-infectious conditions, with such conditions this spring most probably related to the physical condition of the cow, says Charles Stoltenow, North Dakota State University Extension DVM.
Writing in the Ohio Beef Cattle Letter, Stoltenow says the thinner the cow or heifer, the more likely the occurrence of weak calves. But, that's only the first hurdle. The second will be the immune status of the calf during the early days of its life.
"Neonatal calves depend on the cow for all physical and mental development prior to calving. All muscle tissue, nerve fibers and energy reserves present in the calf are dependent on the nutritional status of the cow. Cold weather and snow have significantly increased the protein and energy requirements of the cow," he says.
The best cure for weak calves is prevention. Cows and heifers in a good body condition score (BCS) of 5-6 have stronger calves than thin cows and heifers (BCS 3-4). Calves stand quicker and nurse sooner.
"Cows and heifers in good condition also produce more colostrum than cows and heifers in thin condition. For adequate production of muscle, nervous tissue, and energy reserves in the calves, cows and heifers need adequate protein and energy in their diet," Stoltenow says.
Whether or not a calf is born weak, all calves require colostrums soon after calving to have a fighting chance of survival. Colostrum, the first milk from the dam, is high in antibodies, which bolster the newborn's limited immune system.
A calf needs to consume 5-6% of its body weight within the first six hours of life and again before 12 hours of life, Stoltenow says. For an 80-lb. calf, that's 2 qts. of colostrum/feeding.
"This is important because the calf's digestive tract undergoes 'intestinal closure,'" Stoltenow says. "Specialized absorptive cells in the calf's gut are sloughed and the transport of antibodies from inside the gut to the circulatory system inside the calf is no longer possible. Since the calf can't produce its own antibodies until 4-6 weeks of age, it's totally dependent on antibodies derived from the colostrum for protection in its early life."
Before going into calving season, Stoltenow says producers should identify a source of colostrum in case it's needed. Colostrum can be stored by freezing, and can be obtained from late-term cows or heifers with stillborn calves, from heavy-producing cows (but make sure her calf receives adequate colostrum before taking any), or from some dairy farms. There are also colostrum supplements available from veterinarians and veterinary outlets that can provide substantial doses of antibodies to newborn calves, he says.
"Whatever the colostrum source, the same time constraints are in effect. The colostrum should be consumed within the first 6-12 hours of life of the calf. The key to assuring adequate colostrum for your calf crop is being prepared," Stoltenow says.
-- Ohio Beef Cattle Letter
But, I personnally would advise AGAINST getting colostrum from a dairy, unless it is certified free of Johnes Disease.
