The Barn
Freesteading group focused on the discussion of livestock.
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Sick calf
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Sick calf
Hi all, I bought three calves at a livestock action, mid June . Two are thriving, one is not.
Seems like he has a hard time trying to eat?
Any ideas?
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8 Replies
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How big are the calves? Do they have runny noses? What feed are you offering?
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Yes, runny noses but not horrible, even the healthy ones have a bit if a runny nose.
I’m giving them Timothy and orchard grass here that was just bailed a week ago. Giving the sick half oats, mixed with sweet cob and a little molasses. Feeding him about 3 cups every two hours.
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They are 5 to 6 months old
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I have also does Tim with ivermectin Pour On and getting him 3 tablespoons of diatomaceous earth a day.
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Dosed him
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Call a Vet
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Get a hold of your local vet. Bet they need a round of antibiotics for BRD/shipping fever. It’s a respiratory virus that was probably picked up in the sale barn.
When I buy from a sale barn I stop at the vet on the way home and they get a shot that evening or the next morning. Then they are monitored and quarantined for 10-14 days. Resflor is what my local vet usually prescribes. Follow the label and residue will be out of their system in a few weeks. Well before slaughter or resale.
Weigh their feed. Shoot for 1-2% of body weight. Buying a feed from a Local mill that has a known protein and fat content is what I would recommend. Also get something with a vitamin pack and offer a mineral/salt supplement either mixed with feed or free choice. I like commodity feeds not pelleted. Cheaper and seem to eat it better. TSC is too expensive to feed calves on. Their feed conversions aren’t good enough for that gold.
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