Calf freak out on tubing

[devonian]

We had a big bull calf born today with a dodgy front leg so he's a bit wobbly standing and his mum has a low udder ( she's on the cull list) so I'm sure he hadn't fed so I tubed him twice today with 1l colostrum. Thing is he completely freaked out whilst doing this as if I was pouring hot magma into him or electrocuting him or something, to the point where he flopped on his side and the tube got ripped out of his throat. I was gentle and I'm pretty sure it was in his oesphegus as there was no resistance when inserting the tube. Why do some calves do this?

 

[Dsth]

It's not a natural instinct for a calf to have an object stuck down it's throat so it is a natural response to resist. A strong health calf will resist more than a sick/weak calf so congrads on a otherwise healthy calf. did you try to bottle feed him first before tubing him? he may have had a more natural response to the bottle. new born calves can sometimes surprise you and nurse when you think no way so just maybe he nursed. good luck with him and hope his leg gets better.

 

[devonian]

It's not a natural instinct for a calf to have an object stuck down it's throat so it is a natural response to resist. A strong health calf will resist more than a sick/weak calf so congrads on a otherwise healthy calf. did you try to bottle feed him first before tubing him? he may have had a more natural response to the bottle. new born calves can sometimes surprise you and nurse when you think no way so just maybe he nursed. good luck with him and hope his leg gets better.

Yes I tried the bottle first sucking reflex was weak almost non existent and like I said he was wobbly and barely able to stand but a bit better now

 

[TCRanch]

My guess is you didn't get it down his esophagus. Or, did you check the ball of the tuber to make sure it's smooth with no previous bite marks? Anything rough will hurt! And personally, I've never had one resist too much because either they're hungry or too sick to fight it.

 

[Silver]

I have been thrown completely off a calf more than once while tubing and Im not a lightweight. It's amazing how strong they can be. When it goes sideways just make sure the tube either stays in or comes all the way out. Bad things can happen if it is somewhere in between.

 

[TCRanch]

I have been thrown completely off a calf more than once while tubing and Im not a lightweight

I am a lightweight, but I have freakishly strong thighs and put the vice grip on 'em

 

[devonian]

My guess is you didn't get it down his esophagus. Or, did you check the ball of the tuber to make sure it's smooth with no previous bite marks? Anything rough will hurt! And personally, I've never had one resist too much because either they're hungry or too sick to fight it.

The bal seems ok but it's getting a bit rough on the bit behind the ball I'll give it a sanding

 

[Hereford2]

My vet recommended a shot of BO-SE for a calf that I had with a weak suckle reflex. It worked amazing, but I am in a low selenium area.

 

[Ky hills]

I've tube fed quite a few calves, what you describe happens sometimes.
Obviously they don't like the process and it's just their instinct to try and get it out and get away from the situation.
I've had a few do some wild thrashing around. I try to hold them as securely as possible to minimize that, but it still happens some.
I'm always careful when inserting the tube to make as sure as I can that it's going down right. Still I'm a bit nervous every time

 

[TCRanch]

This seems to be the time for my annual praise of the Trusti Tuber Oral Calf Feeder. The calf automatically grips the mouthpiece, so less struggle and the tube slides down easily. No bite marks on the tube or end piece. The bottle is vented, so no awkward squeezing. Plus, it comes with a nipple to use as a bottle feeder.
Amazon product ASIN B07ZV8XH62

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

TC it says no longer in stock and may not be in future.

 

[simme]

Appears to be available here. $46

Trusti Tuber Starter Pack 2in1

Number One Seller!!! Multi-Award Winning Trusti Tuber 2 IN 1 Starter kit. Starter kit for easier newborn calf feeding. Vet and farmer designed. Prevents bruising and injury. Drench calf, tube feed calf, stomach tube calf, bottle feed calf, nurse calf

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