Solving Calf Problems
The checklist to figure it out when you just do not know where to start.
***I am not a vet or nutritionist. I am speaking from my own experiences. I recommend using this list as a jumping off point and working closely with at least one of the above professionals.***
Where To Start
We have all been there. It feels like you just overcame one issue….(YAY) and then before you have time to pop the champagne another issue springs up. You’re chasing problem after problem…. Scours, pneumonia, unknown issues.
Well, I decided to share my “what to look at when nothing is right, but I cannot find anything that is wrong” checklist with you! (Printable link at the bottom).
First things first– I always write down in detail, the issues and signs I am seeing, any recent changes (weather issues, change in employees, change in protocol or tools), when the issues started, what age the calves are when they have this problem, etc. Anything at all that can help identify a problem.
I also write down what needs to happen to consider the problem solved. This will help to mark a “finish line” and give a sense of accomplishment when you get there. It can be very easy to get caught in the circle of raising calves.
“There’s always a new group! Always the same issues!”
But this can help to identify when the problem is solved.
Next, I think through the calves' current day:
Is there anything obvious that is causing stress?
If yes– start there.
If nothing has changed since the problem started, I will run through this list!
Keep in mind that even if you find a problem in one section of the checklist, that doesn’t mean that there are not more elsewhere. I encourage you to work your way all the way through to make sure you catch anything that may be leading to your current problems.
This checklist is also helpful to run through when things are going RIGHT! See what is happening. Make sure that it keeps happening.
Write down all the protocols.
Print them out.
It’s a wonderful idea to have a notebook of all the protocols so that (God forbid) something happens, the farm can continue to run.
I hope the checklist is helpful!
Potential Calf Problem Checklist
Before birth:
Is the dry cow diet properly balanced?
Are the dry cows being vaccinated with the necessary things? Are the vaccines being administered correctly?
Timing and the combination of vaccines can be very important!
Where are the dry cows at? Could they be getting into anything that would impact the fetus? Is it as stress-free as possible?
Birth:
Are the calving pens clean?
Calving pens are exposed to a lot of fluids which makes it the perfect environment for bacteria to live. Putting fresh bedding on top of dirty, wet bedding will not work.
How often are the pens totally cleaned out and sanitized?
How long is the calf with the dam?
Is the calf exposed to an excessive amount of bacteria from dirty teats, poop during calving, etc.
Is the calving atmosphere as stress-free as possible?
Are the cows getting moved in the middle of pushing?
Are they getting pushed around by older cows?
Do they have enough quiet space to get comfortable enough to lay down and calve?
Is there constant human traffic disturbing them?
It can be a tricky balance checking the cow for progress frequently but giving her enough time and space to settle and let her body take over. Be patient, quiet, and as discrete as possible.
Colostrum Collection:
How quickly is colostrum collected after birth?
How quickly is the colostrum fed, pasteurized, or cooled?
What is the quality of colostrum?
If it is constantly too low, go back to the dry cow diet.
Are the tools used for collection clean and sanitary?
From the towel used to wipe the teats, collection pail, and the instrument used to test the quality of the milk.
First Hour After Birth:
How quickly is colostrum being fed?
At what temperature is colostrum being fed?
Is the colostrum being fed from clean and sanitary containers?
Nipples, tubers, bags, bottles should all be sanitary before milk is added.
If a nipple is used, is it the correct size?
Is it soft enough for the calf to manipulate easily?
Is the opening the correct size?
Is the calf drying in a sufficient amount of time?
Is the calf in a safe and low stress environment?
Is the calf cleaned off if born with meconium or outside of the calving pens?
Is the navel cleaned, dipped, and trimmed to a safe length?
First 24 hours:
How much colostrum was administered?
Were the calves tubed or nipple fed?
Is the calf moved within the first 24 hours?
What is transportation like? Is it clean and as stress-free as possible?
Is the calf able to rest and recover with as little disturbance as possible?
If you sat there for 24 hours what would you experience? Would you be able to rest and nap happily? Would you be cool enough? Warm enough? Is there quality air flow?
Any other stressors happening in this time frame that could be moved to another time or made easier in some way
Disbudding
Transition from colostrum
Milk:
Have you tested the milk?
Are the components high enough? Discuss with your vet/ calf nutritionist what this should be for your breed of calves.
Are the components consistent?
Is the milk clean?
Have you sent bacteria cultures?
Is the method you are using to stop growth (pasteurization/ acidification/ etc) working?
Are the tools you are using to feed (nipples, buckets, bottles) clean and sanitary at every single feeding?
Have the nipples been checked for cuts/ worn out tops?
How much milk are they getting and how often? Is this truly enough or is it just convenient for your operation?
Weaning:
Are the calves getting a sufficient chance to transition from a liquid to a solid diet before milk calories are taken away?
Is the grain fresh and clean and the correct consistency?
If the grain is meant to be a pellet, you should not find too many fines.
Is it absorbing too much moisture on a humid day?
Is the grain being sorted?
This can be a problem in textured grain. If calves eat too much of one or the other bit of grain they could get an upset stomach or they simply will not get a balanced diet.
Are calves drinking enough water? Have you done or can you have the water sampled? Water can carry a lot of issues without anybody ever realizing.
Check for bugs, minerals, worms, and bacteria like e coli.
Housing:
Does your housing allow for fresh air circulation, no matter what the weather is?
Does your ventilation bring in fresh air without creating a draft (specifically in those cooler months)?
What type of bedding are you using?
Is it always dry?
Would you lay down in it to sleep comfortably?
Does it pass the nesting test?
If a calf lays down, you should not be able to see their legs.
What pests could be bothering or dropping issues on the calves?
Mice and birds can bring issues into feed
Flies and larva cause obvious annoyance issues but can also be a problem for new calves. Navels, ears, under the tail, and in the hair (if not properly dried) can be attractive places for flies to lay their eggs.
If you have group housing-
Are there too many calves per pen? Do calves have adequate space from birth to weaning?
It’s easy to put a lot of calves in on day 1, but do they truly all fit when they are weaning and beyond?
Is there a bullying problem?
Are the smallest/ weakest animals getting as much of a chance to eat/ drink/ sleep as the largest and strongest calves in the group?
***Competition can only be beneficial to a point. Some breeds cannot handle as much pressure as others.
Is there a cross contamination problem?
How are you separating the oldest calves from the youngest and most vulnerable calves?
What is the age spread in pens?
The Final Bit
My final piece of advice when going through this checklist, is to not just check the protocols that are written down. Watch and ask the people that handle each task. Some tasks get shortened and modified, sometimes without even meaning too. Sometimes the smallest “time saver” that seems safe to one person, can be the breaking point for the rest of the circuit.
If you encounter a situation like that, be sure to explain the WHY.
IE: Why we shouldn’t cut nipples. Why getting calves their first colostrum on time is so important. Why getting the cows vaccinated on time is so crucial.
It can really help your employees and co-workers to understand and care, not just replicate.
To fix the problem permanently, put checks and balances in place to help catch problems before they arise. We use reports.
IE: How many calves were born outside of the calving pens? How many cut nipples were found?
Just remember that everybody has issues– no matter how pretty their farm looks online. Get a great team who is always willing to problem solve and you will be well on your way to some very healthy and well grown calves!
