Welcome back to “The Life of a Dairy Cow!” Last week, we left off talking about the calving process.
In order for calving to occur properly, the calf must be positioned forward and right-side up with both of the front legs forward. Just like a woman giving birth, a cow will contract to help push the calf out. Sometimes, a farmer or a veterinarian needs to help the cow by pulling on the calf (by grasping the legs), making sure that the amniotic fluid is removed from the calf’s nasal passages and mouth so that it can breathe, and making sure that the calf lands softly without injuring its head or neck.
After all of the hard work is done, then “TADA!” We now have a newborn calf! If it is a girl, then she is called a “heifer.” Farmers like getting heifer calves because they can raised to be productive members of the herd. If it is a boy (a.k.a. bull) calf, then he probably isn’t so lucky. On many dairy farms, including mine, bull calves are sold within the first two weeks after birth to another farm where they are raised as steers. These steers are castrated (“neutered”) male animals that will eventually be used for meat (steak, hamburgers, etc.).
Regardless of gender, all calves receive special care right after they are born. Within the first few hours of life, a calf is fed about one gallon of colostrum (the first milk that a cow produces in her lactation). This milk is extremely nutritious and full of antibodies that the calf needs in order to get off on a good start to life. As you might expect, calf bottles are much bigger than baby bottles (they can hold one half gallon of milk)!
The calf’s “navel” (umbilical cord) is dipped in an iodine solution that helps to kill bacteria and prevent infections. Some farmers also give young calves “boluses” (really big pills) as a nutrient supplement. These boluses are administered orally using a “balling gun.” The boluses are placed inside the “barrel” and after the barrel is positioned in the upper region of the esophagus, the farmer squeezes the “trigger,” which releases the boluses. Small plastic balling guns are used on calves, while larger metal ones are used on cows.
http://www.enasco.com/c/farmandranch/Veterinary+Supplies/Balling+Guns/
http://www.agri-pro.com/products/index.cfm?multibolus_balling_gun&show=product&productid=270783
Calves are not the only ones to receive special attention after the calving process. The farmer will make sure that the cow has plenty of access to warm water and is not injured or stressed. Cows are typically given calcium and vitamin boluses after calving to help them regain energy and prevent them from getting sick. If a cow does not “clean” (expel the placenta–afterbirth), then the farmer will place uterine boluses into her reproductive tract (this does not involve a balling gun) to help the placenta release itself from the uterine wall and fight infection.
Next week, we will learn about the fun, exciting, and cute life of a dairy calf!