Bottle Rearing a Calf: Problems

Getting a calf to accept a bottle is not easy. Though it may be hungry, it may not naturally know how to suckle. Issues often arise when the calf has not been allowed access to its mother's colostrum, or first milk. Colostrum is rich in antibodies that help to give a young calf immunity to illness. When raised on a man-made milk replacer, bottle calves often have a higher incidence of scours and other health problems than those given the milk of another ruminant.

  1. Prevention

    • Bonding immediately after birth is important for cow and calf.

      Some bottle calves are created by circumstances that can be controlled or altered. A cow that is a first-time mother may reject her calf because she may not recognize that it is hers. A patient farmer will help the mother to care for the cow and will try to encourage the cow to allow the calf to suckle. However, the majority of bottle calves are created when male calves are born to dairy cows. These calves are often taken from their mothers immediately after birth and sold at auction. Once separated from their mothers, there is little option but to bottle-feed them.

    Acquisition

    • Acquiring healthy bottle calves at an auction can be difficult as the animals are usually only a day or two old. Avoid selecting calves that appear to be weak or lethargic and ask questions of the seller as to the animal's health. Also inquire if the calf had the opportunity to suckle colostrum from its mother. Healthier calves will have ingested colostrum. Ideally, it is better to develop a relationship with an individual farmer who is selling his calves and purchase them directly from the farm. Once the calves have been transported to the auction yard, they have been exposed to germs and have the potential for illness.

    Considerations

    • Consider several factors when determining if bottle calves are a good fit for a farm. The calves require a lot of time and attention, much like a newborn baby. The feedings are administered three times a day for the first few days. Though calves can be purchased cheaply, the milk replacer they consume can become cost prohibitive. Calves can best be raised on raw cow milk, though raw goat milk is a good substitute. Checking with area farmers may yield a supplier, if lactating goats are not readily available. Additionally, cows are herd animals, so always keep at least two at a time.

    Complications

    • Scours is a dangerous complication in bottle-reared calves. It is a form of bacterial diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and death. Calves should be closely monitored to ensure they do not develop this condition. Consult a veterinarian if there is reason to suspect the presence of scours.

    Uses

    • Many people bottle rear calves to supply their families with a source of home-grown meat. However, the length of time the calf is raised will determine the type of meat that is gained at slaughter. Veal is meat from a calf that is generally 18 to 20 weeks of age. To obtain quality beef, the animal is slaughtered before it reaches three years of age.