Sale Barn Bottle Calves HELP

[Bright Raven]

The calf that didn't nurse from it's mom, got frozen Jersey Clostrum. And I also gave both of the calves powdered Clostrum that had 350 ig immuniglobin. Broke into 3 additional feedings . So a total of three half gallon Clostrum feedings per calf in a 22 hour time frame,. Yes the good Clostrum is Crazy expensive, but I like to err on the side of caution...

If you are replacing natural colostrum, then use the best. Having said that, if you give two feedings of a high quality colostrum in the first 24 hours or so, I would not continue feeding colostrum at that expense.

BTW: You can introduce pathogens into your beef herd by using whole dairy colostrum. Colostrum not only contains antibodies but it can also harbor pathogens. It can also be mishandled. I prefer packaged colostrum. Fortunately, I have not needed colostrum for about 3 years.

 

[CG1]

My point on the number of days to feed colostrum was in a perfect world. If I have it on hand and can feed it to my calves I will for the first 6 or so feedings. I try to create a natural transition. Most of mine come at 3 days old so I just go right to milk replacer. When I end up with an orphan due to circumstance, not dairy removal, I have buckets from the local dairies to feed them but I've gotten it all free. I'd actually have no access to buy any around here unless it was powdered.

I think you're doing all the right things Hereford! I wish I had two angus bottle calves! My angus bottle babies have always turned out wonderfully. Got some of my best mamas that way (personality wise).

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

BR - I totally agree. I would NEVER bring home colostrum or milk from a dairy for any of my calves. Might be a VERY expensive lesson.
Years ago, all the extension specialists would tell everyone to go to their neighbor dairy & get some colostrum and freeze it in small amounts for emergencies. I believe that is how Johnes got so wide spread in the beef industry.

 

[Hereford2]

I haven't personally gotten Clostrum from a dairy, I get it from our cow or our neighbor who had a milk cow. I gave the calves their milk at 4:30 p.m. , about 9 this evening I'm going to give the one that's still scouring more electrolytes and another vitamin B shot and a Multimin shot,. I'm hoping it drinks the electrolytes, it was slow drinking it's milk. The other calf I let him into the yard and he was kicking up his heels and running around!!

 

[Bright Raven]

I haven't personally gotten Clostrum from a dairy, I get it from our cow or our neighbor who had a milk cow. I gave the calves their milk at 4:30 p.m. , about 9 this evening I'm going to give the one that's still scouring more electrolytes and another vitamin B shot and a Multimin shot,. I'm hoping it drinks the electrolytes, it was slow drinking it's milk. The other calf I let him into the yard and he was kicking up his heels and running around!!

Don't go overboard with the vitamin B and Multimin. Stay within the recommendations for use.

 

[Hereford2]

I haven't given any multi min to either calf yet. The day before yesterday I gave them both a vitamin B shot and a n AD shot.

 

[Hereford2]

I gave them both a Multivitamin shot and the one with scours a B shot . He drank the electrolytes down!

 

[greggy]

Yeah, and if missing anything, would be better to miss the electrolyte...if drinking water as well.....

 

[Hereford2]

They both drank their milk down this morning and the sick calf doesn't appear to have bloody scours now! Plus he has way more energy also!

 

[Hereford2]

The only water they are getting is what I'm giving them in their bottles, it cold enough it's pointless to put out water, .

 

[Hereford2]

When I checked on my calves at 10 this morning, the calf that was doing good yesterday, had bloody scours. It's Amazing how fast calves can change. So I put him back on the electrolytes. This afternoon they both drank their milk, I'm going to give them more electrolytes this evening, I'm looking forward to them both getting better......

 

[MurraysMutts]

Corrid in their water wouldn't hurt either..
Study up on it. I'd be wanting to know the cause of the bloody stool myself

 

[Hereford2]

:???: Well everything I've found, says cococidios doesn't start when calves are under a week old,so I don't know?? I do think I may try the corrid... I gave them both their electrolytes tonight and the one no longer has the bloody scours, and is all full of energy.!!

 

[Bright Raven]

:???: Well everything I've found, says cococidios doesn't start when calves are under a week old,so I don't know?? I do think I may try the corrid... I gave them both their electrolytes tonight and the one no longer has the bloody scours, and is all full of energy.!!

I don't see evidence of coccidia in my herd until they are about 6 weeks old. Only you know exactly what you are observing but just remember, some of the symptoms related to bowel function are normal adaptations to diet and development of the rumen.

 

[greggy]

I was posting something yesterday, but must have not hit submit.

Watch the one with blood, maybe you know, but sales or even private sale, I take info like age etc with a grain of salt....but assuming age is right......

Anyways, also be careful with electrolyte, if it were me, I would add another milk but using reccomended powder amount, water is important part. Not too much electrolyte....you prob know, but it is not for long term....

Mine always have access to clean water, they sometimes finish milk and go have a drink....but it is warm and dry here atm....but even in winter.....

The disposition and hydration signs are prob your biggest signals atm.

 

[Buck Randall]

:???: Well everything I've found, says cococidios doesn't start when calves are under a week old,so I don't know?? I do think I may try the corrid... I gave them both their electrolytes tonight and the one no longer has the bloody scours, and is all full of energy.!!

You're correct on the coccidia, so no need to treat with Corid. Bloody scours in calves that age can be caused by several different infectious agents, and the only way to know what they have is with diagnostic testing. I wouldn't bother with it, as it doesn't change the treatment plan and your calves will be better before you get the test results back.

Scouring calves don't die from the infection; they die from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Keep up the good work with the electrolytes and the infection will pass. Keep an eye out for signs of a navel infection or pneumonia as well.

 

[Hereford2]

Both of the calves look better this morning scour wise, but now the one has a snotty nose
. I have LA 200, LA 300 and penicillin. Which one should I use?

 

[Bright Raven]

Both of the calves look better this morning scour wise, but now the one has a snotty nose
. I have LA 200, LA 300 and penicillin. Which one should I use?

The last 2 years, I have been experimenting with Resflor Gold. It has done well when I have seen early signs of respiratory distress. It is much cheaper than Draxxin.

 

[CG1]

Both of the calves look better this morning scour wise, but now the one has a snotty nose
. I have LA 200, LA 300 and penicillin. Which one should I use?

The last 2 years, I have been experimenting with Resflor Gold. It has done well when I have seen early signs of respiratory distress. It is much cheaper than Draxxin.

Resflor gold is my go to. I even use it for foot rot.

 

[Hereford2]

Ok thank you!