Care of new born calf

In cattle rearing good dairy herds are raised rather than

purchased.

Immediately after birth any membrane or mucus adhering

to the mouth, nostrils eyes and ears of the newborn should be
removed carefully to facilitate normal breathing. ( Dry cloth)

If calf does not start breathing, artificial respiration should be

given. This can be done by pressing and relaxing alternatively
the chest wall or if young one is smaller in size hold it by the
hind limbs, lift it with head down and swing. Care is taken so
that young one is not slipped out of hands.

Next is disinfection of naval cord. The naval cord of the calf

is tied 2.5 cm away from its body and cut about one
centimeter below the ligature. Apply the stump antiseptics for
2-3 days.
Feeding colostrum within first hour is essential and should
be continued first 4 days of life. The calf needs 3-4 litres of
colostrum daily in 3 equal feeds.

In absence of colostrum 275 ml worm water, one raw egg, 3

ml castor oil,10000 I.U vitamin A ,525 ml worm milk, 80
mg auromycin mixture is prepared and fed to calf thrice a
day.

Characteristics of colostrum

Protein of colostrum have high amount of gamma globulin

( antibodies)
Protein content of colostrum is 3-5 times more than
normal milk.
It contains 5-15 times more vitamin A
Colostrum act as a laxative to free the digestive tract (easy
passage of meconium).
Ensure that calf must receive enough milk for 3 months and
dry feed (calf starter) 1 part linseed meal, 2 part of oat meal, 2
part of crushed maize, 1 part of bran. Green fodder can be
offered from 15 days onward.

Disbudding is done in 3-10 days Cut the hair and clean the
area. Apply vaseline on the periphery of the clipped area to
protect the adjoining tissue. The horn button is vigorously
rubbed with caustic potash KOH (paste/solution) till a slight
bleeding appears.
Pressing hot iron to burn the horn tissue or use of an
electric dehorner are other methods available. Dehorning should
not be done during extreme weather condition and during fly
season

Marking for identification another next important practice.

Regular and periodic de-worming, grooming and dipping or

spraying to control external parasites are followed routinely.
Castration- removal of testes in males or make
their testes useless.

Objective – To prevent reproduction, for faster gain, to

produce more desirable type of meat and to make animal
docile and easier to handle.

Record keeping- They are vital for the success of genetic

improvement of the stock and are essential guide for the
scientific feeding, breeding and healthcare of the dairy
animals and thus play a central role in improvement in the
animal productivity
 Care and management of heifers

Productive and reproductive performance of cows depend

on the care and management at their heifer stage. Rearing
period can be divided into two stages before first service
and from first service to calving.

The animals of different ages are kept separate for proper

feeding and management.

Routine periodic weighing and comparison with normal

growth curve help in identifying poor growers.

On an average the body weight of heifers at first

service should be 200-250 kg for cross bred.

Observe the heifer for sign of heat at least thrice a

day.
Care and management of cow during pregnancy and
parturition
All the pregnant animal should be looked after carefully.
They should not be made to walk long distances, run fast,
chased, frightened or allowed to fight.

In cattle 0.5 to 1 kg extra concentrate mixture depending upon

the condition of animal should be given.

Feeding in preparation to calving is called steaming up or

challenging feeding. It is usual to start with 1.5kg
concentrate/day from two months before calving and increases
it to 4-5kg two to three days before parturition.

As a preparation to calving animals should be transferred to

a quite comfortable hygienic and well bedded place at least
one week before calving.
Most of the females do not need any help during
parturition and it is better not to interfere the natural
processes unless it is really indicated

When there is abnormal presentation, position or posture

it is corrected first than it is delivered by traction.

The parturition has three phase. First phase- onset and

intensification of uterine contraction ( 4-10 hours). Second
phase expulsion of fetus takes place (30 min.-2
hours).Third phase involves expulsion of fetal membranes
(1-6 hours) .

Usually most animals have tendency to eat its placenta

and this should not be allowed as it may cause indigestion
and may affect subsequent milk yield.