I just read the January issue of “The Colostrum Counsel” newsletter from The Saskatoon Colostrum Co. Ltd. Its timing was perfect. The topic of the newsletter is calf hypothermia, the subject of much discussion (and blogging!) here this time of year.
The USDA estimates that 95,000 calves die each year from hypothermia. It’s an alarming figure. Prevention is best, but swift diagnosis and treatment will go a long way to mitigate cold stress and hypothermia.
Symptoms of cold stress include shivering, rapid pulse, rapid breathing and a cold nose. In the early stages, body temperature often drops a couple of degrees from the normal 102°. If the progression continues to more severe hypothermia, calves may stop shivering as muscles stiffen. Movement may become clumsy. Pulse and breathing rates slow. Body temperature continues to fall. A veterinary thermometer helps you assess the situation fairly quickly. When temps fall into the mid-90° range, vital organs are becoming chilled.
Begin treatment by getting the calf dry and warm. The Roy-L-Heat Animal Warmer utilizes a 110-volt heater to circulate warmth, quickly drying and warming newborns. A Calf Coat repels moisture and wind, offering a degree of protection for newborns or young calves. It’s also important that the calf receive adequate warm, high quality Colostrum. This warms them from the inside and helps them achieve passive transfer of immunity from disease.
To learn more, read “The Colostrum Counsel” by Sam Leadley, PhD, PAS (Download January Colostrum Counsel) Lori H
The USDA estimates that 95,000 calves die each year from hypothermia. It’s an alarming figure. Prevention is best, but swift diagnosis and treatment will go a long way to mitigate cold stress and hypothermia.
Symptoms of cold stress include shivering, rapid pulse, rapid breathing and a cold nose. In the early stages, body temperature often drops a couple of degrees from the normal 102°. If the progression continues to more severe hypothermia, calves may stop shivering as muscles stiffen. Movement may become clumsy. Pulse and breathing rates slow. Body temperature continues to fall. A veterinary thermometer helps you assess the situation fairly quickly. When temps fall into the mid-90° range, vital organs are becoming chilled.
Begin treatment by getting the calf dry and warm. The Roy-L-Heat Animal Warmer utilizes a 110-volt heater to circulate warmth, quickly drying and warming newborns. A Calf Coat repels moisture and wind, offering a degree of protection for newborns or young calves. It’s also important that the calf receive adequate warm, high quality Colostrum. This warms them from the inside and helps them achieve passive transfer of immunity from disease.
To learn more, read “The Colostrum Counsel” by Sam Leadley, PhD, PAS (Download January Colostrum Counsel) Lori H
We have had our share of newborn pigs and calves in the bathroom too. We have always had a heater in the bathroom as a combo heater/ceiling fan/light. This warms the room very well and we use a hair dryer in addition to vigorous rubbing with old towels. Hopefully, we will never have to do the warm bath, but that is a good idea. Did the cow accept the calf after it had the bath?
Posted by: helen | Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 03:48 PM
That's really interesting Carol. I would have never thought of doing that. That's a true cowgirl...willing to do whatever it takes to save the calves! Way to go!!!
Posted by: Rhonda | Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at 03:54 PM
Hi
I have another way to alleve hypothermia in a newborn calf. It involves bringing the calf in to the house but worth it. I fill a tub or large wash sink with very warm water and immerse the calf. This warms its entire body and I've saved foals in this manner as well as ice cold newborn puppies ( in my kitchen sink).
Hope this helps someone.
Carol
Posted by: carol bobrowsky | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 09:28 AM