How do I Tube Feed a Cow?

There are times when you have to help a newborn calf that is too weak to nurse to be able to eat. Some calves will take specially prepared bottles with large nipples. Some farmers keep the calf from starving or dehydrating to death, however, by using an esophageal tube or an E-Tube. This is a common practice on cattle ranches. The tube is placed down the throat and esophagus into the stomach to be able to feed the animal with electrolytes and milk until it is ready to eat on its own.

Things You'll Need

  • Calf-nursing bottle
  • E-tube with feeding bag
  • Lubricant
  • Milk formula for calves
  • Electrolyte formula for calves
  • Hook to screw into the wall for holding the bag
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Try to get the calf to nurse from a cow. Failing that, try to feed him from a baby bottle. You can buy bottles with larger nipples for a calf. If these steps do not work, you have to consider an E-tube.

    • 2

      Prepare your equipment before holding the calf. Get the tubing designed for calves. This way you know it will be the correct size and shape for your calves. This will have special pliable tubes that will be easier to pass into the calf's stomach.

    • 3

      Bring the formula specially prepared for calves to a little warmer than room temperature. Do not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternate feeding electrolytes and milk formulas every three hours. You want to fill the bag to one quart every three hours.

    • 4

      Hold the calf steady by putting one leg on either side of the calf's neck. It might wriggle so hold on tightly. If the calf is hungry and weak, it might stay steady just by holding the animal with your arm. Hold the head in the crook of your elbow and apply a little pressure to hold the calf in place.

    • 5

      Start to put the tube down the calf's throat by angling it slightly to the left. It should begin to swallow the tube by itself. The tube should go down smoothly. You will be able to feel the tube if you rub the esophagus. If you feel it anywhere else, take it out slowly and try again.

    • 6

      Raise the bag above your head. If you place a hook on the wall of the area used for feeding it will free your arm to hold the calf. Open the valve under the bag slowly to release the fluid.

    • 7

      Crimp the tube and gently pull it out when the calf finishes. It could take as long as five minutes for the calf to finish the quart of fluid. Sterilize all equipment after each use. Try to stay with the calf and comfort it before and after feeding.