Rules for caring for calves at home and possible diseases of young animals
Providing proper care for newborn calves is an important stage in the formation of a herd, in increasing the productivity of livestock farming. Several factors contribute to the cultivation of healthy young animals: a complete diet, proper care, keeping the animals clean and safe. In order to prevent diseases, it is required to vaccinate calves in a timely manner.
Calf birth
They begin to care for a newborn from the first minutes of life. It is important for the baby to clear mucus from the nostrils, mouth and ears. After the body has been wiped with burlap, the cow is allowed to lick the newborn. The umbilical cord at a distance of 11-13 cm from the peritoneum is cut with disinfected scissors, if it has not broken off naturally. With iodine or a solution of potassium permanganate, you need to process the cut of the umbilical cord. As a rule, the calf stands on its own feet 40-50 minutes after birth.
Caring for calves in the first months of life
It is important to keep newborns dry by regularly changing the bedding. The correct diet is of great importance for the full development of an animal. In the first days of life, a newborn is fed with colostrum, rich in vitamins and microelements. Teat drinkers are used for feeding.
Monthly calves are fed 3-4 times a day, and the animals should be gradually accustomed to bucket feeding.
Milk in the diet is replaced with highly nutritious whole milk substitutes. After 4-4.5 weeks, hay is introduced into the diet of the calves. In the summer, babies learn to graze the grass along with the cows.
Health care
In addition to the correct diet, you need to monitor the well-being of newborn calves. Signs of infection must not be missed. Several common diseases of young animals can be distinguished.
Dyspepsia
The disease is acute and manifests itself as an intestinal disorder that causes dehydration. Causes of occurrence: violation of feeding technology, poor maintenance. The disease can occur in calves in the first week of life. It is not necessary to isolate the animal, you need to regularly change the litter, you can heat it using special lamps.
Constipation
Lack of bowel movements during the day, bloated abdomen are characteristic signs of constipation. In animals, appetite disappears, depression or nervousness is observed.A 140-150 ml serving of vegetable oils or castor oil will help cleanse the stomach and intestines. You just need to make sure that the animal does not lie down after drinking the oil.
"Syntomycin", "Phthalazol", "Levomycetin" are used as medication. Medicines are given before feeding, three times a day.
Dysplasia
Disease of the hip joints is congenital and can be inherited. The cause of the disease is intrauterine fetal pathology. Distinct clinical signs in young animals appear in the first year of life. For mild cases, lameness in the hind legs, weakness of the limbs are characteristic.
In severe cases, the newborn has difficulty getting up, in the process of movement there is an increasing lameness, tense or stiff gait. An accurate diagnosis can be made after an X-ray examination.
Peritonitis
As a rule, inflammation of the peritoneum develops against the background of other diseases of the abdominal or pelvic cavities. Common phenomena are postoperative peritonitis, secondary peritonitis (occurs with endometritis, ulcer perforation). Limited peritonitis occupies a small area, while the inflammatory exudate can resolve. Acute purulent peritonitis causes deterioration of the calf's health, weight loss. Abdominal distention, rapid heart rate, and rapid breathing are observed. If surgical intervention is not carried out in time, the animal dies.
Disease prevention
At home, the prevention of diseases of young animals is reduced to simple rules for caring for animals:
- calves are kept in clean, dry rooms, without drafts;
- for feeding, cleanly washed dishes are used, colostrum is preliminarily warmed up for drinking;
- the room is constantly disinfected.
You also need to pay attention to regular vaccinations. The first time a week-old newborn is vaccinated against paratyphoid fever.
Walking
Daily walks increase appetite and are beneficial for calf development. For a special summer walk (fenced pasture), young animals older than 2-3 weeks are released every day. In winter, the calves are released outside on fine days for about 5-10 minutes (gradually the duration of stay in the fresh air is increased).
Raising young animals is a responsible process that requires attention and patience from the breeder. It is necessary not only to choose a suitable feeding ration, but also to monitor the well-being of the calves. If the newborn is unwell, it is recommended that you seek help from your veterinarian.
