Is it worms?

[pdoramus]

Someone told us the reason one of our newly acquired calves has long hair is because of worms or poor nutrition. What causes quite long hair this time of year? It's probably a good 3 inches.

 

[Scotty]

Its cold.


Scotty

 

[milkmaid]

A long thick coat all over at this time of year...I'd say it's cold. A rough coat with really long hairs on the belly (makes 'em look potbellied), and I always assume they need a good dose of wormer. That and good feed.

 

[msscamp]

Based on your description, I'm assuming the long hair is all over and uniform. If so, it's because the temperatures are dropping and the critters are growing their winter coats to protect them against the cold.

 

[pdoramus]

Thanks for the advice. The rest of my calves don't have very long hair yet. We gave her all her shots tonight and dewormed her too. I was just curious about the comment

 

[msscamp]

Thanks for the advice. The rest of my calves don't have very long hair yet. We gave her all her shots tonight and dewormed her too. I was just curious about the comment

Not all calves grow the same kind of winter coat. Some are thick and shorter, some are thick and long, and some just look kind of wooly. Just depends on each individual calf and their genetics. As long as the hair growth is uniform, I would say the calf is ok. If you have a rough-coated (not uniform, patches of thick hair and patches of smooth hair or long and short, not shedding in the spring, etc) I would suggest you re-evaluate your worming program.

 

[Susie David]

Good idea to vaccinate and worm the new additions....when the daylight shortens it's time to start the winter coats, we just turned cold and our cows have had their winter wear comming in for a month or so...DMc

 

[Tod Dague]

I had a cow that kept a long shaggy coat year around. The summer was brutal for her here. I sold her to a breeder in Oklahoma, it isn't Montana but it is bound to be cooler then here.

 

[tapeworm]

It doesnt have to be worms this time of year...could jsut be like they said...winter coat. different breeds or even diferent cattle in the same breed can put hair on different

 

[pdoramus]

After researching the different breeds, I think this heifer calf must be part galloway. She's all black with long bushy hair that looks alot like the pics of galloway cattle. Thanks all for the info.

 

[CattleAnnie]

Could be the breed of calf, or could be worms, so here's an informative link regarding parasites & cattle that
might help you figure out what you're dealing with.

http://www.iabeef.org/BQA/treat_worms.aspx



Take care.