Neonatal Calf Management Flashcards
when should you see spontaneous respiration after delivery?
within 30 seconds of delivery
when should a newborn calf stand after parturition?
1 hour
what congenital defects should you check for in newborns?
hernias
cleft palate
atresia ani
supernumerary teats
how can you measure colostrum quality?
immunoassay
colostrometer
brix refractometer
what is the goal for colostrum quality?
50 g/L IgG
total >150 g/calf
how much colostrum should be fed at first feeding?
3-4L
10% birth weight
when should colostrum be fed?
within 1-2 hours of birth
when should you feed fresh colostrum?
within an hour or refrigerate
what is measuring calf serum total solids used for?
as proxy for IgG
better for monitoring colostrum program than individuals
how much milk should calves get in the first three days?
2-3 quarts twice daily
why should you avoid feeding excessive forage until weaning?
inability of rumen to process cellulose
how can you stimulate respiration?
vigorous rubbing of muzzle/head
cold water therapy
positive pressure: ET tube
dopram
caffeine
when should a newborn calf suckle?
2 hours
what should the heart rate be of a newborn calf?
100-150 beats/min
what should you do for a newborn?
dip navel in 7% iodine
check for congenital defects
dry and separate from dam
what is assessed in colostrum?
quality
quantity
quickness
cleanliness
what should be fed at the second feeding?
colostrum or second milking
2 quarts maximum
how does the gut ability to absorb colostrum change over time?
50% ability decreased by 8 hours
how long can you keep colostrum fermented?
3 weeks
when should you sample calves for serum total solids?
1-7 days of age
what is increased time with dam good for?
maternal bonding/oxytocin release
decreased labor input
public perception
why is immediate separation from dam good?
minimized pathogen exposure
uniform colostrum administration
decreases calving facilities requirement
when should calf starter grain be offered?
within first 3 days of birth
why should you avoid feeding excessive forage until weaning?
inability of rumen to process cellulose
