cow 6 weeks early

solorpower

One of my heifers decided to calf yesterday, problem is that she was not due for another 6 weeks.
cannot see any obvious reason for this.
she was in good condition and behaving in a normal way
calf was very small as you would expect, and unfortunately did not make it through the night.

has anyone had a calf survive when born this early?

and what are the possible reasons for a premature birth?

smokey-fitz

solorpower wrote: »

One of my heifers decided to calf yesterday, problem is that she was not due for another 6 weeks.
cannot see any obvious reason for this.
she was in good condition and behaving in a normal way
calf was very small as you would expect, and unfortunately did not make it through the night.

has anyone had a calf survive when born this early?

and what are the possible reasons for a premature birth?

I had a sick cow that had no hope, she was about 5 to 6 weeks off calving. I asked the vet if there is any point in inducing the cow. She said no because the calfs lungs wouldnt be developed enough to survive.

To be on the safe side, I would get her and the calf tested for lepto and neospora. Both can cause abortion and your description sounds like that.

greysides

Calf and cleaning would be the best samples to send to lab. Bloods now and again in two weeks may demonstrate rising antibody levels too.

tanko

Another possible cause is if she got a belt from an older cow in the shed?

Kovu

Had a cow do that here a few years back, couldn't find any cause, but the cow had marks up her back so we think she had been hurt or turned upside down by another. Calf was born hairless but baaing roaring, wouldn't suck howver so had to put him down

Jb1989

smokey-fitz wrote: »

I had a sick cow that had no hope, she was about 5 to 6 weeks off calving. I asked the vet if there is any point in inducing the cow. She said no because the calfs lungs wouldnt be developed enough to survive.

did you have to factory her due to contamination or did you let her calve down the still born?

Grueller

Had one four weeks early this Christmas gone. Calf again was small and took a lot of attention but is flying it now. Always watch this cow tbh as she has a calving interval over six calves now of 348 days.

Future Farmer

solorpower wrote: »

One of my heifers decided to calf yesterday, problem is that she was not due for another 6 weeks.
cannot see any obvious reason for this.
she was in good condition and behaving in a normal way
calf was very small as you would expect, and unfortunately did not make it through the night.

has anyone had a calf survive when born this early?

and what are the possible reasons for a premature birth?

I remember being told a 7 month calf has more chance of surviving than an 8 month calf, because although small a 7 month calf is proportional in size, but for an 8 month calf the internal organs haven't quite caught up with the size of the calf. If that makes sense!

We have had a 7 month calf born and survive, and go on to calf down herself at home.