Need help ASAP

[Peppygal]

My Jersey heifer had her calf yesterday and I can't for the life of me get that little thing to suck. I've milked her twice and have got a small amount in him (that process takes over an hour), but he shows no interest in nursing and will not suck on the bottle. I am a nervous wreck and am exhausted from trying (first time calf mom here) and don't want to lose him. Any ideas??

[DieterD]

Many years ago I remember my uncle having a similiar situation. They finally got the calf to start drinking by placing their hand in the milking pail and then putting the nose of the calf into the pail with the mouth touching the milk. Then they would stick the four fingers of their hand into the calfs mouth. After awhile the calf would start sucking the fingers. Because the mouth was in the milk, it would be getting milk as it sucked the fingers. Eventually the calf would start drinking directly from the pail without the aid of the hand in the milk.

Hope things work out for you and the calf.

[Peppygal]

Well, it took 3 days but he finally started nursing on his own. I tried my best, but would bet he didn't get enough colostrum. I'm keeping a close eye on him for any illness but so far so good:)

[niglefritz]

You might also want to try giving him a colostrum supplement if you are still concerned.

I was going to suggest checking to see if he was tongue tied.

Is he pooping?

[Peppygal]

I hadn't thought of tongue tied, and yes, pooping like a trooper:)

[niglefritz]

Awesome.

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