Help with small calf

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SKF

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Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,057
Tonight we had a calf born that weighs 33lbs. He appears healthy but his dam is not in very good shape and does not have much milk. I was not expecting her to have a calf she did not look like she would be having a calf anytime soon so we were very surprised. Any suggestions on anything extra we should do for this calf. We did bring mom and baby into the barn so we can feed her up and keep a close eye on him. Thanks!!
 

SSIMMENTALS

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Joined
Dec 8, 2007
Messages
303
We have had this happen twice. Both times on very old, thinner cows. We just kept an eye on them and made sure baby was nursing and mama was fed. One of them had almost no udder at all and we never thought she was coming with a calf and then the next morning, there she was.
Only thing I can think of if is mom will let you get the calf, you might want to try to get some colostrium and try to get it down him. Maybe help mama out with a bottle for the calf to supplement what she's giving??
-Sarah
 

forbes family farms

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Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
999
Location
Iowa Lone Tree
Get mama on some grain and hay to get her better and also this will make her milk better. Get some calf milk replacer a good one is 4th day it has a lot of vitimans and other stuff for baby to get better. Keep an eye on him. You might want to get your vet out to see him.  (cow)  (angel)
 

cowcrazy

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Joined
Mar 4, 2009
Messages
161
We also use Kick Start which you can buy at Tractor Supply.  It has electrolytes, vitamins and minerals in it.
 

SKF

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Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,057
Thanks for eveyone advice!! The little calf is doing great!! He is so full of life. I will weigh him tomorrow to see how much he has gained.
 
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