Got a new Shorthorn Steer

[Sonya McPherson]

:lol: we have a new shorthorn steer .... is staying bloated ... peanut oil has helped but still keeps happening ... what to do? .... he looks like has a pot belly ... also his temperment is kinds sneaky ... is real good when rinse and wash and comb ... does not like to walk ... jerks his head alot and bucks ... not constant ... but haven't walked him yet without him bucking at least once ... we did an american last time ... are the temperments that different ... have had him for almost two months and is 7 months old and castrated already ... what is a good additive beside show bloom for them ... you know like oxygen or something ... just need some tips on taking care of a SHORTHORN .... all cattle breeds are different and different things work with them .... any suggestions? Seems real skittish ... don't really trust him ... is dosile one minute and crazy the next ... HELP!

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

A steer is a steer is a steer - doesn't make any difference on breed as far as feeding & showing. Temperament can be breed oriented - although Shorthorns are usually very docile.
Bloating is a major problem. They can easily die. Is he getting enough HAY. Needs free choice grass hay at all times. Some steers are just bloaters and nothing is going to stop him.
You say he is pot-bellied. There is a difference, bloat is very high up, when bad will extend almost above their spine. If he is carrying the "bloat" low on the belly - than that's pot belly and he is not getting a balanced feed program.

He's 7 months old - how much does he weigh?
If he is bucking everytime you take him out, he's not getting enough exercise. Walk walk walk.

 

[4-H fanatic]

Does he have a pasture where he can run or is he penned up all the time? maybe thas all he needs.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Hello, are you out there. We really don't like talking to nobody. A response is appreciated.

 

[Sonya McPherson]

Hello, are you out there. We really don't like talking to nobody. A response is appreciated.

Sorry ... had to take steer to the vet .... bloat was bad ..... and he is concerned about his gut .... gave him a drench that would make him scour and poop out anything in there that shouldn't be there ... said if this doesn't work then animal has an in and out defect ... so essentialy we need to get money back and start over .... so undone ... really attached to this animal already ... so will see ... he is doing better on walking ... no bucking ... sets really good and have only had for about a month ... my daughter is devistated ... if have to get rid of him ... don't know what to do ... bloat has gone down but no scours or projectile poop yet like the vet said would happen with this stuff he gave him ... has been two days,. .. still has a tight belly and still big .... he was on a good diet and good food ... nothing was unbalanced ... fed him just as we have our other steer ... dont' know.... thanks for all replys I apprecitate them again sorry for not getting back sooner
Sonya

 

[Sonya McPherson]

Does he have a pasture where he can run or is he penned up all the time? maybe thas all he needs.

He has a little over a quarter of an acre to run and play ... he is let out at night only pinned up during the day .... want to keep him cool ... has hair. So he plays and we also have a 2 1/2 old calf here too that he is buddy's with. Thank you for your suggestion ...
Sonya

 

[d6cattleman]

Does he have a pasture where he can run or is he penned up all the time? maybe thas all he needs.

Your pic is awesome .

 

[showkid1200]

with bloat i had the same problem, it would never go away and he was pinned up. What cured mine was about 16 oz. mineral oil once a day for two days straight and let him out in a field or walk him. also make sure he he has free choice hay it keeps the rumen working