CARE OF THE NEWBORN CALF

Pashu Sandesh, 15 January 2020

Dr Vikas Sachan, Mahesh Kumar

After birth, there is an exposure to a stressful environment for the newborn which is totally different from the uterus so needs quick adaptability. Because of the dystocia, not only the calf mortality rate is high but also the probability to be infected is more than normal birth calves. It needs keen supervision or assistance for the newborn at and after parturition to enhance the survivability rate. Even in normal parturition new one needs a lot of care to survive properly. 

The pregnant dam should be kept in a separate barn stall with a lot of dry and clean bedding with comfortable space for movement. Cows are provided with healthy laxative feed and clean water all the time in the pen. The cow should be kept in inpidual clean and sterilized calving pen 10-12 days prior to the probable calving date. Calving pen should be 3 m x 4 m size with good ventilation and sufficient light access. Antiseptic solutions, basic obstetrical instruments, liquid paraffin and full arm gloves should be available all the time near calving pen. A separate person should be there to keep in watch the calving dams and assistant to be provided to hold the foetus to avoid any injury by falling down or by the feet of the dam. Manipulation of calf must be done per vaginally under aseptic conditions if needed. It is important to give special attention to calves born after dystocia. 

At birth, due to placental separation, the gaseous exchange is hampered and so normal respiration should start within 60 seconds. Rapid onset of normal, spontaneous respiration after first deep and forceful inspiration ensures the newborn survivability. Initially, the respiration is irregular but later on, it becomes rhythmic to 45-60 breaths per minute. Licking and nuzzling of the calf by dam mimic the thermal and tactile stimuli along with cooling of the face and nostrils stimulates the respiratory movements.

To achieve the normal respiration in young one, immediately after birth assistant should clear off the fluid, mucus and foetal membrane parts from the nostrils with a finger or any suction device. The calf can be elevated from its rear or hanging upside down with mild jerks results in evacuation of the fluid from the upper respiratory tract and stomach because of the gravity eases the respiration. Rubbing and mild compressing the chest and blowing the air in-ears also stimulate respiration. If facilities are available then positive pressure ventilation with oxygen cylinder and tubing set up can be provided but it is nearly impossible at field level. After birth, the reduction in calf body temperature is quite stressful as the temperature of the dam is higher than the environment. Calf body coat should be rubbed and dried quickly with a clean soft cloth. A protective cover can be used to keep calf warmth initially so that the rate of decreasing the temperature would be slow. The mother should be allowed to lick the calf clean which improves calf body circulation which helps the calf to stand up and walk. The birth environment should be hygienic to protect calf from various infections and naval ill. The naval should be cut about 2-3 cm away from the body and applied with an antiseptic solution with a proper dressing after drying. 7% tincture of iodine can be used for dressing and should be repeated after 12 hrs.

Colostrum feeding is one of the most important practice as it provides passive immunity to a new one from mother till it develops own defence system. Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, low fat, high protein, vitamins, macro and micronutrients, various growth factors and much more. It provides the first defence to the newborn of his life against various types of infections and diseases. Calf intestinal wall remains permeable for globulins for 1-2 hrs only after birth so newborn calf should be given colostrum within the first 30 minutes of birth and 1-2 litres (based on size) within 12 hours of birth. The absorptive cells lining the small intestine are immature at birth which can absorb large molecules like immunoglobins but later on, they becomes mature and now large protein molecules cannot be absorbed called as ‘gut closure’ by some scientists. The concentration of immunoglobulins at ‘closure’ determines the level of disease resistance of the calf. The calf should be fed with colostrum at the rate- 1/10th of body weight and little more for buffalo calves for 2 -3 days. It has also been found that the calf is more prone to gastrointestinal disease who have not received colostrum in the first 24 hrs of his life. Colostrum also helps to eliminate the meconium (first faecal matter) which is accumulated in the digestive tract. If it is not voided out, mild enema with soapy water can be done.

Excess colostrum can be milked out and stored at the refrigerator for other calves. If colostrum is not available for a newborn due to the mother’s death or agalactia, colostrum from another cow who has recently undergone parturition can be used. Artificial colostrums substitute can also be prepared by mixing egg and castor oil with diluted whole milk. De-worming should be done within 10-14 days of age subsequently on a monthly basis up to the 6^th month. For regular vaccination, weaning and calf starter veterinarian should be contacted. 

These are some management practices which are needed to be adapted at the periparturient period. Calf mortality at the time of parturition and after parturition definitely can be minimized which help in maximizing the economic benefits with livestock production.

Dr Vikas Sachan, Mahesh Kumar

Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics

COVSc. & AH, DUVASU, Mathura