How do you get a calf to take a bottle?

[msscamp]

Calf is 2 weeks old. Need to get her started on milk replacer ASAP. Tried this morning and the little rascal fought me but never took bottle. Any suggestions? (her mother has pretty bad mastitis and I pulled calf this morning while I continue treatment)

put calf in the chute.straddle calf force mouth open.

how is the calf gonna be in the chute while u straddle it??

Well, I'm gonna take a stab at this one.

Calves aren't that big, but they can take ya' on one he11 of a ride when your straddling them. In the chute, they can't go that far.

Alice

You wanna bet? :lol: :lol: :lol:

No, not really... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Coward! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

I don't understand why you are taking the calf off the cow. Actually, the calf sucking & "beating" the bag is extremely GOOD for the mastitis. You can treat the quarters (or quarters) anyway. I would let the calf suck & seperate them & treat the cow's udder. Leave seperated for a few hours & than put them back together.
Did the vet tell you not to let the calf suck???