how to feed colostrum

[Mark Alley]

Can I get some tips on how to use a stomach tube or an esophageal feeder? Sometimes conditions are just not good for feeding a calf with a bottle. I got the following information on a website along with specific instructions at several other websites. I would like to know what experience other beginners have had trying to use one. Any help appreciated.

"Any calf that has not been able to nurse on its own in the first hour or two after birth should be assisted, or given colostrum by bottle, stomach tube or esophageal feeder."

 

[Alice]

Google esophogeal feeders for calves. There are some made that are supposedly "fool proof," which of course they are not totally, but they have been refined so that it makes it less likely the liquid will run into the calves lungs instead of going where it is intended.

Personally, I prefer the stainless steel tube feeders...they go straight down and have an end on them that make it almost impossible to go anywhere other than intended. Plus, they don't get nicked up by the calf's teeth and they are easy to sterilize. Personally, I think they are easier on the calf...but that's just a matter of opinion. Other's disagree, and I understand their reasoning.

Maybe you can get someone experienced in tube feeding to show you how...but there's always gonna be the first time you have to do it yourself...so, just try to stay calm. That'll make it easier on you and the calf.

Alice

 

[novatech]

I hope this is not to late for your needs. I have tube fed several new borns and it still scares me. When you run the tube down make sure you can feel the end on the side of the throat. Follow it as you push it down. If it is in the air passage you will not be able to feel the end of the tube as it goes down. If you are not sure, pull it out and try again. You may have to turn the tube in order to get the proper angle. I found it easier to run the tube down first and then attach the bottle.

 

[msscamp]

Can I get some tips on how to use a stomach tube or an esophageal feeder?

If you can find an esophageal feeder whose tube disconnects from the bottle, you can hear/feel breathing if you get it down the calf's lungs instead of into his stomach. If you can't find one of those feeders, then try to find one with a 'bead' attached to the end of the tube. The bead makes it hard to get the tube down the lungs. When inserting, place the tube in the middle of the calfs mouth and feed it down slowly. If you put one hand on the calfs throat, you can sometimes feel the calf swallowing. Be careful of how much you feed, too. Because of the delivery method, it's easier to overfeed the calf. I hope this helps.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

If at all possible, the calf should be standing. I "straddle" the calf, with it's head sticking out between my legs. I'm small, so I back the calf into a corner where there are bars for me to grab if the calf gets too wild (so I can stay standing!)
Besides being careful not to get in lungs, also be sure NO FLUID goes into the tube until you are in the stomach - going in and pulling out. We feed 2 quarts at one time (warm like a babies bottle)
Sounds like you are getting "prepared" for a potential need - that's GREAT! I agree with the steel tube.

 

[Mark Alley]

Thanks for all the replies. I found the following.
http://www.westernranchsupply.com/body. ... &sub_id=41
Fluid Feeder with SS Probe for Calves
Springer Magrath Co.
A practical, easy-to-use tool to help save baby calves suffering from dehydration or scours. Plastic, 2 quart bottle with stainless steel probe.
MGR50SS $ 22.50
Is this reasonable?
There are lots of products for baby calves. I have a bag of colostrum on hand for newborns. What is a general purpose product for a calf that has scours and appears too weak to nurse? At first notice, I give them a scour bolus.

 

[dun]

Probably close on price

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html ... b0d0204ae5

dun

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

That's the exact feeder I use. There is a small section of plastic tubing between the bottle & the steel probe. I fold the plastic tubing so that the probe is laying next the the bottle. This closes the tubing so no milk/colostrum can flow into the probe, and you can hold it & work the probe down their throat. You should have some electrolites on hand. I'm not a good one for advice on treating calves, because we rarely have a problem (knock on wood!!!), but we also give sulfa bolus if they scour. I also keep a small bag of the best milk replacer I can get. I keep it in the freezer between seasons. This way if I really get a calf not eating, I have the milk handy. If you don't have any, I would get a set of OB chains & OB handles. Yes, you can use baling twine, but it's hard on their ankles & hard on your hands. Chains & handles can be sterilized easily by boiling.