How to Get Calves to Suck From a Bottle

Proper feeding of your cow must start as early as possible, which means it's up to you to ensure it receives the nutrients it requires. This can sometimes mean that you have to feed your calf with unorthodox methods, such as a nipple-tipped bottle. As with a human child, you will have to train your calf to accept milk from a bottle. It may fight you all the way, but it is important to stick with it and nourish your calf.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Leash
  • Milk substitute
  • Bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Guide your calf into a small pen where you can work with it closely. Tie a leash around its neck and harness the leash to a pole so that the calf can't easily turn and walk away from you.

    • 2

      Place a pinch of powdered milk substitute on the calf's nose. Leave it there until the calf starts licking at it. This will trigger the calf's appetite and give it a taste for the milk substitute.

    • 3

      Cover your finger in milk substitute. Press your finger lightly against the calf's mouth and wait for the animal to start lightly sucking on your finger. Pull your finger away once it's clear that the calf wants to continue feeding.

    • 4

      Gently press the nipple of the bottle to the calf's mouth. If it turns its head, pull the bottle away. Wait a minute and then press the bottle back to the calf's mouth.

    • 5

      Practice feeding your calf from a bottle every morning. If it does not respond to your attempts within a half hour, try again in the evening. Your calf may be stubborn, so you have to be persistent.