Cows rejecting calves

patsy_mccabe

I had 2 cows calve this year, one a second calver, one a heifer. Both rejected their calves. The first took 2 to 3 weeks to stand without kicking. I'm still trying to sort the second. Have to put her up the crush and tie legs twice a day. Real pain. The thing is both never dropped the pins before calving and didn't let down milk for a day or so. The second calver was grand last year.
Would it be hormonal? They both happen to be bred by Ardlea Dan too, if that means something? Any thoughts?

Never wrestle with pigs

Had one this year that never dropped the pins but took to the calf fine.

If in doubt I pull the calf into the corner so she won't stand on the calf and fcuk in a chicken. It flips a switch in them to protect the calf.

A load of salt on the calf to get the cow licking the calf Is a handy one to.

Tiz sum time consuming pain in the hole to try get them to take to the calf when your working and have a hundred other things to do!

An ould lad told me to milk a sup outa the cow and put it on the cows back. The idea is she smells herself off the calf.

MrMiyagi

patsy_mccabe wrote:

I had 2 cows calve this year, one a second calver, one a heifer. Both rejected their calves. The first took 2 to 3 weeks to stand without kicking. I'm still trying to sort the second. Have to put her up the crush and tie legs twice a day. Real pain. The thing is both never dropped the pins before calving and didn't let down milk for a day or so. The second calver was grand last year. Would it be hormonal? They both happen to be bred by Ardlea Dan too, if that means something? Any thoughts?

Sometimes if you set a dog on the calf (just barking) the cow/ heifer will act to protect the calf

patsy_mccabe

I tried a little Jack Russell but I think he just made friends with the calf.

MrMiyagi

patsy_mccabe wrote:

I tried a little Jack Russell but I think he just made friends with the calf.

Worth a try anyway.

If you can get the calf drinking the heifers milk for a few days then the heifer will small her milk in the calves faeces. The she will take him

Miname

A lad I know bred a share of heifers bred for a bull coincidentally by your name sake. None of the heifers would take to their calves so he got shackles made for the back legs of them. They worked away for years after no hassle.

Canaryblue

We've a cow that does the same thing every year, shes no interest in the calf so we have to give her nuts twice a day to let the calf suck. Eventually after a few weeks she stops kicking and the calf gets smart about how to suck her without annoying her. Last year her first heifer calved and was up to the same behavior, so it is genetic. Only reason shes being kept is she has a great calf every year and she goes in calf quickly each time. She had her first calf mid May 07 and is set to have her 11th one mid January 17.

patsy_mccabe

Well the second calver stood yesterday without having to put in the crush. She calved the 26/4 so that's 3 weeks. Calf is funny how she gently goes in to drink. Starts off by going to her head, then swings her behind in against the cows leg to let her know she's there. Then very slowly starts licking the teat.
I dunno who has more patience, me or the calf.

Never wrestle with pigs

At the same crack here. Went out sat morning to find a nice 6 week old bull on it's side. Pulled a twin of her cow and am trying to foster that over. She won't stand for the calf but will let it suck in the crush.

Only thing is this calf is 8 weeks old and very hardy so at least I don't haveto train her too. Ill give it a week and see. I'll tube her and off to the mart if it dosnt work.