The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: JEP on April 06, 2018, 07:42:40 pm

Title: cow no milk
Post by: JEP on April 06, 2018, 07:42:40 pm
calf born ok put cow not dropping any milk
big bag just no milk
had calf on bottle took all yesterday
to day wouldn't take and has stated to look weak
any one recommend anythink for her
thanks john
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: SallyintNorth on April 06, 2018, 09:01:38 pm
Is she a heifer?  In other words, is this her first calf?

Does the udder feel hot?  Are you able to express milk from any of the teats yourself?
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: Sbom on April 06, 2018, 09:14:00 pm
Speak to vet about getting a jab of Oxytocin, if she had milk this will get it flowing. The sucking action of the calf should stimulate but in first timers it can take a few days. Try rubbing her bag as calf sucks.
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: JEP on April 06, 2018, 09:14:17 pm
hi sally
no she is not a heifer first calf with us
we are unable to express milk from any of the teats
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: JEP on April 06, 2018, 09:26:35 pm
Sbom
calf was sucking and head butting
have spoken to vet and was injected to day
its the calf yesterday bouncing about at tea time head is down and just seems weak
standing is only by lifting to try feed takes 2 mouth fulls and pulls her head off
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: SallyintNorth on April 06, 2018, 09:53:07 pm
Is the calf scouring?  It might be worth putting it on Pfizer Scour Formula, or Rehydion, for 24 hours
Title: Re: cow no milk
Post by: landroverroy on April 06, 2018, 10:00:37 pm
Are you sure the calf isn't feeding when you're not there? If the cow has been injected with oxytocin the milk should now be flowing easily.
If the calf is sucking and head butting it sounds like she knows what to do . A young calf gets what it wants in a few feeds a day and in between will not show any interest in sucking until it is hungry again. By now, if the calf is feeding, you should see the digested milk appear as yellow droppings - always a good way of telling that all is ok.