The initial care provided to a calf immediately after birth is crucial for its survival and long-term health. This care involves several key steps, including cleaning mucous, stimulating breathing, and treating the navel. Additionally, feeding colostrum shortly after birth is essential for providing the calf with necessary nutrients and passive immunity.
- Cleaning Mucous
Immediately after birth, it is vital to clear mucous from the calf’s nostrils and mouth to ensure it can breathe properly. This can be achieved naturally by allowing the dam to lick the calf, or manually using a clean, soft towel or smooth dry straw. This cleaning process not only helps the calf breathe but also stimulates cutaneous blood circulation, promoting overall health.
- Stimulation of Breathing
Although most calves begin breathing on their own after birth, some may require assistance. Breathing can be stimulated by:
1. Alternately compressing and relaxing the calf’s chest.
2. Tickling the calf’s nose with a piece of straw or grass to induce sneezing and expel mucous.
3. Holding the calf by its rear legs with its head downward, allowing mucous to flow out naturally.
- Navel Treatment
Proper navel treatment is essential to prevent infections. The black tarry material inside the navel cord should be squeezed out, and the cord should be tied 2.5 cm away from the navel using a clean, thick thread or rubber tube. The cord is then cut 1 cm below the tied position with sterilized scissors or a new razor blade dipped in antiseptic. The exposed part of the navel should be disinfected with a 7% iodine solution to prevent bacterial invasion. Under normal conditions, the navel will dry, shrivel, and seal within 1-2 days.
Importance of Colostrum Feeding
Colostrum, the first milk produced by the dam after giving birth, is crucial for the calf’s health and development.
- Passive Immunity
Newborn calves are born without immunoglobulins (antibodies) in their blood, which are critical for defense against pathogens in early life. Since these antibodies cannot pass through the placenta, and the calf’s immune system is not functional at birth, feeding colostrum is essential. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, providing the calf with passive immunity to fight off pathogens until its own immune system becomes functional, around three weeks of age.
- Nutrient-Rich
Colostrum is richer in dry matter, energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins compared to whole milk. Its high fat and vitamin content provide instant energy, and the protein is vital for the calf’s body growth.
- Low Lactose Content
The low lactose content in colostrum helps reduce the incidence of diarrhea in newborn calves.
- Laxative Properties
Colostrum’s laxative properties aid in the removal of meconium, the calf’s first feces, ensuring the digestive tract is cleared.
- Hormones and Growth Factors
Colostrum contains various hormones and growth factors essential for the growth and development of the calf’s digestive tract.
Deciding when to wean a calf is a critical decision that can affect its growth and health. Here are several weaning options:
Calf Weaning Options
1. Just After Birth: Weaning immediately after birth.
2. After First Nursing: Allowing the calf to nurse once as its first feeding, then weaning.
3. 2-3 Days with Dam: Keeping the calf with the dam for 2-3 days before separating.
4. Until Milk is Suitable for Supply: Keeping the calf with the dam until the milk becomes suitable for regular supply.
5. 3-4 Months of Age: Weaning at 3-4 months of age, when the calf’s rumen is fully developed.
Each of these options has its benefits, and the choice depends on various factors, including the health and development of the calf, as well as the management practices of the farm. Proper care and timely feeding of colostrum are fundamental to ensuring the calf’s robust start to life.
