I have a Calf… Now what???

[kalashnikov]

I have a couple Registered Black Angus in Ohio, there due in the spring. Once this baby comes out what do I have to do.

What shots does it need?
-Where can I get them?
-Can I do it?

I am assuming the mother will take care of it?

Do I have to have blood levels drawn and sent somewhere so the calf is registered?


I have awhile that’s why I am asking the questions now.

Any Help would be appreciated,

LP

 

[angus9259]

Congratulations on joining the club of self induced poverty . . . .

Regarding your questions, call your breeder - especially on the registration issues. Any good breeder will walk you through all this specific to your particular cattle and location. Then find a vet - perhaps the same vet the breeder uses - and get to know them.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Shots -depends on your area. I believe you need selenium in your area. So, a newborn should get a shot of BoSe (get from a vet) and a shot of A&D (vet). Best to iodine the naval. I use a dairy teat cup to do this.
I can't help you with the registration, but, no you don't need to draw blood.
When a calf is born, it is critical that they nurse the dam ASAP. The first "milk" is actally colostrum, which gives the newborn it's antibodies to resist diseases. The calf's stomach loses its ability to obsorb/utilize the colostrum up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, it cannot utilize it at all. At about 12 hours old, it can only utilize about 25%. So, it is best for the calf to nurse the first hour of birth, but at least by 4 hours is best. (sooner the better!) Yes, most all calves get right up & nurse mom within 1/2 hour to 1 hour. But, there are times when they don't - like hard calving, or extremely cold.
When your cow goes into labor, don't "pester" her, checking her constantly. Give her some space/privacy. If possible watch with binoculars.
I'm starting our calving season now (extremely cold, nasty) so all my cattle calve in the barn in pens. I am fortunate to have cameras, so I watch from the comfort of my bed. :banana:

 

[kalashnikov]

Thank you guys for the warm welcome and the Information!!!
I am sure I will have some more questions soon.

Thank you,
LP

 

[angus9259]

I can't help you with the registration, but, no you don't need to draw blood.

You will need to draw blood if an AM or NH test is required for registration based on the AM or NH status of the parents.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Oops - I forgot about that!
and welcome to the board :welcome:

 

[LoveMoo11]

About registration-you will need to become a member of the American Angus Association. They can send you some registration applications on which you fill out info such as DOB, registration info of the dam and sire, tattoo numbers, etc. and return with a small fee. After that the calf will be registered, unless, as angus mentioned, you have an ancestor that carries the AM or NH gene, then you will have to send in a small blood sample.
Some of this has already be mentioned, but I'll just share my basic calf care list.You should decide what you want to do with your calves-sell them, raise them, eat them, show them, etc. Steer any males unless you're raising for a breeding bull (at about 2 weeks of age). You'll want to tattoo or brand them and/or tag them probably when they are about 2 weeks old. Make sure the calf eats in a timely manner (dairy calves get 4 quarts in the first 4 hours so you might want to aim for about that-you won't be able to measure exactly but if the calf seems to be eating heartily it is prob. fine). You should dip the navel with 7% iodine as soon as you can after birth. Some people dip again 24 hours later. Vaccinations will depend on your area, what you're planning on doing with the calves (i.e. calves going to shows or sales may require extra vaccinations), etc. Your best bet would probably be to talk to a vet who works in the area or another producer in the area. Be careful when you are working with the calf-the most dangerous animal on a farm is a mama cow. Many are just fine, but just be aware. It may be helpful to tie mom up on a halter or put her in a separate pen while you are working with the baby. Good luck.