Neonatal Calf Management

Question 1

when should you see spontaneous respiration after delivery?

Answer 1

within 30 seconds of delivery

Question 2

when should a newborn calf stand after parturition?

Answer 2

1 hour

Question 3

what congenital defects should you check for in newborns?

Answer 3

hernias
cleft palate
atresia ani
supernumerary teats

Question 4

how can you measure colostrum quality?

Answer 4

immunoassay
colostrometer
brix refractometer

Question 5

what is the goal for colostrum quality?

Answer 5

50 g/L IgG
total >150 g/calf

Question 6

how much colostrum should be fed at first feeding?

Answer 6

3-4L
10% birth weight

Question 7

when should colostrum be fed?

Answer 7

within 1-2 hours of birth

Question 8

when should you feed fresh colostrum?

Answer 8

within an hour or refrigerate

Question 9

what is measuring calf serum total solids used for?

Answer 9

as proxy for IgG
better for monitoring colostrum program than individuals

Question 10

how much milk should calves get in the first three days?

Answer 10

2-3 quarts twice daily

Question 11

why should you avoid feeding excessive forage until weaning?

Answer 11

inability of rumen to process cellulose