![]() ![]() Feed at the same time every day and the same. This practice kills existing organisms on the cord and decreases the risk of complications from “navel ill. Feeding Dairy-Beef Cross Calves for Top Performance Keep the ration the same with little change in feedstuffs. Dip the navel cord in a strong iodine solution the following day. Immediately after birth, identify the calf by ear tag or neck strap. Correcting any abnormal position of the calf and using generous lubrication are two vital procedures for assisting in calf delivery. Be sure the arms and hands of the person assisting are clean and sanitized and that the vulva and surrounding area of the animal are clean and sanitized. If the animal needs assistance at calving, you should have properly sterilized equipment available: a bucket, obstetrical pulling chains, soap, ample lubricant, and disinfectant solutions. Observe the cow often but leave her alone unless assistance is truly necessary. After that the calves can be maintained in larger group pens of up to 25 animals. Housing Most dairy beef starter calves are housed in individual stalls at least 24 inches wide until they are 9 to 10 weeks of age. After the calf’s front feet appear, delivery should follow in about 1 hour. Calves fed for more than 20 months are typically not profitable. After the water bag (amnion) appears, normal delivery takes place within 6 hours. ![]() When calving signs appear, the cow should be placed in a clean, dry area.
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