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Our family milk cow had her baby, a sweet little jersey heifer. To prepare for her arrival we keep several things on hand and follow a few important steps to make sure the mama cow and calf are healthy. Immediate interventions can make a big difference in cow and calf health. We are a holistic based homestead, but there are a few things we do right away.

🐮 Calcium Paste: With 2nd + time moms, especially those with high milk supplies, calcium deficiency can lead to milk fever. This is most dangerous in the first few days after birth. Supplementing with calcium just prior to birth or right after can help prevent milk fever. Watch for loss of appetite, cold ears, and nervous shifting. If a cow enters stage 2 of milk fever they will lay down with the head tucked and muscles will tremble. At this point it is important to call a vet right away. Once a cow is down, milk fever can be deadly.

Calcium Paste: https://www.pntrs.com/t/1-7937-305267…

🐮 Naval Iodine Dip: The naval (or cord) is a direct route for bacteria into the gut of a calf. It is important to dip the naval and keep the area dry and clean. A 7% iodine is most often used. This is stronger than an iodine teat dip. Whether you dip the naval or not, it is important to keep the calf in a clean and dry environment.

🐮 Molasses Water: Cows can benefit from a bucket of molasses water after birth. The molasses contains minerals that help with energy and hydration. We use about 1 quart of molasses in a 5 gallon bucket of warm water. We find it works best if you fill the bucket about half way with hot water, mix in the molasses, and then top the bucket off with cool water.

🐮 Selenium or Calf Paste Supplements: If your area is deficient in selenium or other minerals, a paste can help with calf health. Selenium can help with low energy or instability in a calf. We also use Durazyme as a supplement for gut health in bottle calves or calves that are struggling with eating and energy. In severe cases, electrolyte solution may need to be bottle fed or tube fed to a calf that is failing to thrive.

Durazyme: https://www.pntra.com/t/1-7937-305267…

Selenium: https://www.gopjn.com/t/1-7937-305267…

🐮 We freeze or freeze dry extra colostrum. My preferred method is the freeze dried colostrum because the powder is easier to mix up when needed. Always save colostrum if you can!

🐮 If you find yourself with a “dummy calf”, check out our recommendations here:    • This newborn calf was in bad shape. H…  

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