What should be the normal temperature in calves and what to do in case of deviations
What is the temperature index in calves under normal conditions, you need to know not only veterinarians, but also farmers. This parameter determines the vital processes in the body of young bulls. By changing the value, it is quite easy to diagnose the first symptoms of an incipient disease. Or to gain a firm belief that nothing threatens the health of animals.
Calf temperature
Temperature indicators in warm-blooded animals, like in humans, do not depend on the time of day or the weather. Moreover, they are not related to the ambient temperature. For cattle, the norm is the range from 37.5 to 39.5 degrees Celsius. But with some reservations. Cows have a hot body, especially a couple of months before calving.
The temperature is even higher in calves. Moreover, the normal value of one-month-old cubs does not coincide with that of newborns. Livestock breeders have the following indicators (data are given in degrees):
- up to 6 weeks of age - 38.5-40.5;
- in the period from 6 weeks to 2 months - 38.5-40.2;
- in the period from 2 months of age to 1 year - 38.5-39.8.
Thus, the older the animal becomes, the lower its temperature. These values are averages and may vary due to specific circumstances.
Possible reasons for the increase in the indicator
The very first version of a beginner who does not have sufficient experience of a livestock breeder - the calf fell ill. It is not without foundation, but all factors should be taken into account for final conclusions. In addition, the qualifications of a veterinarian are required in order to judge certain symptoms and make a diagnosis.
Let's start with some of the typical misconceptions of cattle owners. Someone came up with the idea that the temperature indicator is somehow related to the hot (cold) nose of the calf. This is fundamentally wrong. Further, the temperature is measured not as in a person, armpit, contact, but only rectally, in the anus.
The farmer should be alerted to significant (up to 1, 2 degrees) emissions in both directions, both an increase and a decrease. The primary symptom of food poisoning, the use of poor-quality feed, the defeat of the intestinal microflora by pathogens is an increase in body temperature.
In rare cases, a drop in body temperature is noted. This is also a pathology associated with poisoning with poisons.For example, mushrooms, chemicals, potent substances got into food. The final diagnosis is made by the veterinarian. The owner should be alerted by the behavior of the cattle, lethargy, anxious mooing, apathy or a change in body temperature.
How to measure temperature in a calf
To control the indicator, it is necessary to carefully, without causing anxiety to the animal, insert the thermometer into the anus. In the absence of experience, it will be better to entrust this action to a veterinarian or enlist the help of someone else. Mercury, electronic devices are used.
In the first case, to obtain a reliable result, the measurement is carried out within 10 minutes. The second is distinguished by its efficiency: after 15 seconds, the measurement is ready. Before use, the device (sensor) is disinfected, lubricated with petroleum jelly. Before the procedure, hands are washed with soap, rubber gloves are used.
The animal should be restrained (fixed) to avoid injury. After the measurement, the procedure with the treatment of the device is repeated. Failure to do so could result in infection of the entire herd.
