premature calf

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simmi1133

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Joined
Feb 14, 2014
Messages
23
the pic makes the calf look bigger than it is.  maybe 25lbs.  trying to save her.  is it normal for her to just lay around and sleep most of the day.  keeping plenty of milk and nutrients in her
 

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LazyBL

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Oct 10, 2014
Messages
10
The calf can be saved if you give the effort, it'll require daily leg exercises and extra feeding care.  I have a cow that fits this same scenario, she just turned 15 this year.
 

HGC

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Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
235
Location
Minnesota
We have had 2 calves born premature about 3-4 weeks over the years.  Not quite that small, ours were 40-50# and got up on there own.  Yes ours did sleep a lot.  Way way more than a normal calf, even past there normal due date.  The hair was very short and soft, looks a lot like yours.
 

simmi1133

Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2014
Messages
23
ok guys thanks!  as of now still not sucking but still tubing her and she is doing good I think.  still not up just laying around and hasn't went to the bathroom yet either
 

GoWyo

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Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
1,691
Location
Wyoming
Keep an eye on her body temp and environmental temperature.  They cannot regulate their temp very well that small and underdeveloped.
 

RenFarms

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Joined
Feb 17, 2012
Messages
59
Location
Emporia, KS
We had a preemie almost 5 years ago. 19 lbs, born in 105 degree heat and found the next day. Long story short, brought her home, used lamb feeder to get electrolytes in her for the first two feedings. Then used the feeder to give her canned goats mill, I think with a touch of karo and diluted with some water. She was a real fighter though, and it's amazing she made it. We call her Babycakes...yeah, I know. 😜.  Photos show her at 10 days, a few months, and right after calving her first calf at age three. She's given us two dun heifers so far. Good luck!
 

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