Teat plug

[crewboss]

Is there always a plug, and if so can I use this as an indicator newborn is nursing?

Thanks, Nick

 

[dun]

Not always a plug that you can detect.

 

[crewboss]

what is your method to make sure a first calf heifer (the calf) is eating, other than visual?

Thanks

 

[Suzie Q]

what is your method to make sure a first calf heifer (the calf) is eating, other than visual?

Thanks

Yes visual. That the calf is sucking and after a few days is gambolling around and playing. Once more calves they have calf races morning and evening.

A sick calf generally lies flat out, a healthy calf lies curled up.

A sick calf will have moisture dripping out of it's mouth and nose and will not want to canter or trot.

 

[crewboss]

I don't have much experience but this has always been alittle confusing. we only have 15 hd so each is important.

thanks

 

[Suzie Q]

Here is a little video I made once upon a time. It is only short.

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b30/S ... hycalf.mp4

 

[dun]

I just check the cows udder if I haven;t seen the calf suck and wag it's tail. If the udder looks like it's odd shaped with one or 2 quarters smaller then the others I figure the calf has nursed

 

[crewboss]

Thank you all, you've been very helpfull.