newborn calf mangement

Newborn calf

Newborn management• When we start to

care about newborncalf ?

• Before birth ?

• During birth ?

• After birth ?

• Actually all above

management

Before During After

• Consideration ratio between sire semen and size dam cow pelvic

• Provide well balanced ration during pregnancy stages

• Consideration of dry off period

• Vaccination of dam against newborn pathogens as corona virus at last days ofpregnancy as antibodies well migrate to fetus

• Inject E+selenium at last days of pregnancy

Before

DuringFirst sign in calving is pure discharge from

vagina

Just inject 5 ml oxytocin and let

normally calving occur

If the discharge is bloody that

mean dystocia

Normal PPP

At first hours to day of live

• Disinfection of the umbilicalcord and navel with iodinepreparation

• Weighting the calf

• Just after birth must takecolostrum in first ½ hour (10%of his weight)

• Numbering and ear tagging

• Give prophylaxis dose oftultramycine s/c againstrespiratory infection

After

2nd day of live

• Calf replaced to isolate box tofacilitate management,nursing, observation and toprevent disease spreading

• Disinfection of the umbilicalcord and navel for a week

• Concentrates provided at 1st

week

• Vaccination if from dam nonvaccinated

• Clean water is provided

1st week procedures

• Dehorning at 5th day toprevent harm to anotheranimal or for its body

• Dehorning prevent violentbehavior

• Dehorning facilitatemanagement and handling

2nd week

• After 2 weeks calves aremoved to live as a group inconsideration to their ages

• Continue in these pens tillweaning provided by milk,ration and water

• Weaning after 4th monthsnot more because body willnot produce Renin enzymewhich responsible for milkdigestion

The big challenges in the calf live

At birthAt

weaningIf have a disease

Veterinary care

The most frequent health threats

Omphalitis

[ navel ill ]

Enteritis

[ diarrhea ]

Pneumonia

Omphalitis [ navel ill ]• Inflammation of navel due

to infection by bacteria

• Swelling of navel, painreaction, fever, pusdischarge

• Treatment:

Injection of antibiotic , anti-inflammatory, wound spray

Diarrhea (calf scour )• Scour is a watery feces

indicate that calf GIT can’t absorb water from igesta.

• Causes : may be bacterial, viral, protozoal or nutritional .

• Treatment : treat the initial cause and give fluid therapy to avoid dehydration

pneumonia• Inflammation of lung

• Signs : fever, anorexia, cough, nasal discharge, extended head and neck.

• Treatment : antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine .

Special refer to ColostrumColostrum is the milk secreted by the udder immediately after parturition and for 3to 4 days.

• Through colostrum, the younganimal obtains its first supply ofantibodies which protect itagainst various bacteria andviruses.

• It contains 20 % or more protein,a little more fat than normal milk.

• It is rich in vitamins A and D.

• It acts as a natural purgative forthe young animal.

• Colostrum must be fed within 6hours of the calf ’s birth.

Special refer to Weaning• Weaning is a critical period in the life

of the young animal unless carried outwith care.

• It has, however, been suggested thatcalves should not be weaned untilthey double their birth weight or areat least 80 kg .

• Gradually increase the amount ofother feed consumed. This allowsthem to be completely weaned at ayounger age .

• Calves should not be weaned untilthey are consistently consuming 1Kgof starter ration per head per day.

Summary of Calf care from birth to weaning

• Facilitieso housing

o individual pens

• Feeding and nutritiono colostrum management

o calf nutrition

o water

• Health care and managemento umbilical cord.

o sanitation.

o preventive health care programs.

o dehorning.

o parasites.

o identification.

Thank you for your time