Optimal management of the newborn calf Flashcards
What is the threshold for good-quality colostrum using a colostrometer or Brix refractometer?
50 mg/ml IgG (Brix reading: 22%).
What is the threshold for successful passive transfer of immunity in calves using total protein (TP) testing?
TP ≥ 5.2 g/L indicates passive transfer has occurred.
Brix ≥ 8.4% or serum IgG >10 g/L.
Below 8.4% = Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT).
What factors impact colostrum quality?
Nutrition of the dam.
Time from calving to collection.
Cleanliness during collection/storage.
Colostrum handling and storage temperature.
Maternal disease status.
What key aspects should be assessed in neonatal care?
Breathing – How to stimulate respiration?
Vitality – Is the neonate active and responsive?
Standing ability – When should it stand?
Congenital abnormalities – Any visible deformities?
Navel management – What percentage iodine is used?
Colostrum management – Volume, timing, and quality.
Drying and warmth – Why is thermoregulation important?
Indoor vs. outdoor neonates – Does the approach differ?
What might poor response to external stimuli indicate in a newborn?
Potential issues such as hypoxia, weakness, or neurological problems.
Why is the sucking reflex important?
It indicates neurological function and ability to ingest colostrum.
What could a swollen tongue or head indicate?
Potential trauma during birth or fluid accumulation (edema).
What is meconium staining, and what does it indicate?
Presence of meconium (fetal feces) in amniotic fluid.
Suggests fetal distress before or during birth.
Why does it matter if the birth required assistance?
Assisted births increase risk of hypoxia, trauma, and failure to stand/feed.
May need intensive monitoring and intervention.
What are key interventions for a weak newborn calf?
Dry the animal – Prevent hypothermia.
Provide clean bedding – Reduce infection risk.
Safe heat source – Improve thermoregulation.
Stimulate respiration:
- Sternal recumbency to improve oxygenation.
- Stimulate nostrils (straw/needle).
- Use doxapram if needed (respiratory stimulant).
Correct acidosis – Essential for calf recovery.
Provide colostrum – Boosts immunity and energy.
Increase blood volume if necessary (fluid therapy).
A farmer reports that pre-weaned calves (10-14 days old) have recurrent diarrhea. The milk buyer is concerned about mortality rates. What steps should you take to investigate the problem?
Assess colostrum management – Ensuring adequate passive transfer.
Hygiene and housing conditions – Reducing pathogen exposure.
Nutrition and feeding practices – Are calves receiving proper milk/milk replacer?
Pathogen identification – Collect fecal samples for testing.
Biosecurity review – Prevent further outbreaks.
Farmer education – Discuss prevention strategies
A weak calf is born via C-section after a prolonged calving. What are key considerations for care?
Ensure the calf is breathing – Stimulate respiration if needed.
Monitor for acidosis – Correct via fluid therapy.
Dry and warm the calf – Prevent hypothermia.
Colostrum feeding – Within 2 hours, ensure proper intake.
Monitor for complications – Watch for failure to stand, infection, or poor feeding
A smallholder with outdoor pigs wants advice on piglet care. How does outdoor piglet management differ from indoor systems?
Temperature control – Provide shelter, deep bedding, and wind protection.
Colostrum intake – Ensure adequate suckling from the sow.
Disease prevention – Monitor for hypothermia, starvation, and crushing risk.
Management of weak piglets – Consider indoor care if needed.
Parasite control – Increased exposure risk outdoors.
