Dead Cow, What to do with calf?

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blue

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2008
Messages
65
I have a cow that died this morning out in the pasture.  She calved the middle of March, so the calf is really lively.  It looks like the cow must of ate some weed because before she died it looked liked her nervous system was affected.  My problem now is what do i do with this calf.  I know we are not going to be able to catch it, will it make it on its own, will it get hungry enough to steel.  Or will it be able to live on water and grass? Thanks
 

kanshow

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Joined
May 24, 2007
Messages
2,660
Location
Kansas
How big is the pasture?    Anyway of bringing a few of the other cows in and that calf in with them?    Do you have a creep feeder out?

In answer to your question.. yes it can survive.  It may or may not steal.  It won't be your best calf come weaning time but it can survive.   
 

jallen

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
314
Location
Gardner
Most likely it is going to steel if there is any way of catching it I would or just let it steel and put out some creep feed and that will help with its growing and the others in the pasture. What was the calf out of and the other cows in that pasture could also make a difference if there hard milkers or if the produce more than enough. That would also possibly change my opinions good luck and hope it goes well.
 

lightnin4

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Joined
Apr 5, 2010
Messages
560
Location
West Tennessee
I had this happen last year.  The calf was around a month old when the cow died.  He learned to steal milk and eat grain early.  He certainly wasn't the best calf at weaning, but weight-wise he caught up with the rest of the calves by 8-10 months old. (we're keeping him and a few other steers for beef)  He wont ever be as "pretty" as the others though.
 

jbw

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 12, 2009
Messages
519
You might want to have vet check the cow for rabies.
 
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