Not sure when to intervinie

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dcara

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Jul 1, 2004
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East of Dallas Texas
Sale barn brangus cow calved around 6pm last evening. Was up and nursing soon after for about 20 minutes. Only saw him nurse for maybe 5 minutes this morning. The rest of the time he is laying down. I just went down to check on him. Picked him up and put him on his feet. Mom came over and positioned herself but he's not interested. Mom walks about 400 feet back over to another pair with him bouncing along so he still seems strong. There he lays back down as does mom with her next to him. This is the first one I've watched this close and would have thought he would have had lunch or something after such a short breakfeast. Thinking I should probably pen her and she how she flowing. Wondering if a calf will giveup sucking if they are not getting enough?
 
Most 24 (and even up to about 72) hour old calves spend a good deal of time sleeping. They nurse very frequently for rather short periods, as they don't have their strength built up yet (for lack of a better phrase). If he's bouncing around when he's up and not bawling, I would say everything is fine. They have a way of letting you know when they are hungry and/or not getting enough milk. Typically (usually past the 2 or 3 day mark, but can vary from calf to calf) a calf that is not getting enough will be lethargic, laying around when the other calves are up and playing, hollowed out in front of his/her hip bones, and just kind of dumpy looking. Just my thoughts.
 
Thanks folks. Though I couldn't stand the suspense and checked her milk. As soon as I let her out he came over and has been at it for 10 minutes straight now.
 
dcara":34gsa0lf said:
Thanks folks. Though I couldn't stand the suspense and checked her milk. As soon as I let her out he came over and has been at it for 10 minutes straight now.
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Checking out mom put your mind to rest, nothing wrong with that. :)
 

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