VET VIEWS

Field Resuscitation of Newborn Calves

by Anita Varga, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Capay
Producing and raising calves is a very important aspect
of managing a cow-calf operation. The number of calves
weaned and sold, relative to the number of cows in the
herd, determine the success and profitability of a ranch.
Reproductive performance is significantly influenced by
management practices and therefore a good system will help
to establish an economically-sound enterprise. The health
of newborn calves was topic I felt deserved some attention
As we move into summer and fall calving season quickly
approaches.
Data collected in 2007 by the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services
(APHIS) reported that of all beef calves born during that
year, 6.4 percent were born dead or died before weaning. In
beef cattle, almost 70 percent of calf deaths occur within the
first 96 hours of birth.
Immediate recognition and intervention of a sick
or weak calf is vital and will increase the likelihood of a
positive outcome. Beef calves born after birthing difficulties
(dystocia) are up to six times more likely to become ill when
compared to calves born without complications. Therefore,
immediate intervention is important in preventing calf losses
and ensuring ranch income.
Knowledge of some resuscitation strategies at the ranch
level will help to achieve this goal.

The ABCs of Resuscitation

A) AIRWAY
After delivery, move the calf into a sternal position;
this will help to maximize airflow through the lungs.

Clear the mouth and nose of any fluid using your

hand or a suction device. A bulb
syringe with tubing attached might
help to suction small amounts.
Another option is to purchase a
resuscitator such as the McCulloch
calf resuscitator (approximately
$120), which has a plastic cylinder
and a face mask to suction fluids. It
is effective and easy to use.

DO NOT hang the calf by its rear

leg or swing it around to drain
the fluid from its chest. Doing so
will only bring up fluids from the
stomach, not the lower airways.
Additionally, this will move the
gastrointestinal tract forward
pushing it against the diaphragm
and therefore increasing the
pressure in the chest which makes
it difficult for the lungs to expand.
However, you can place the calf in
a position where its head is lower

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then the rest of the body to facilitate drainage from

the upper airways.
B) BREATHING
Once the calf is delivered it should start breathing
within 30 seconds. If the calf is not breathing, try the
following methods:
Pour cold water over its head. This will help to shock
the calf into breathing.
Vigorously rub its body with towels or bedding.
Place a finger or straw in the nose to initiate the gasp
reflex.
You could try to do a mouth-to-nose or mouth-tomouth resuscitation, but it is difficult to establish a
tight enough seal to prevent air leakage and often the
air fills the stomach instead of the lungs. Keep in
mind that this method increases the risk of acquiring
a zoonotic disease.
C) CIRCULATION
You should be able to touch the chest and feel a
heartbeat. A normal heart rate for a newborn calf
is 100-150 beats per minute. If you do not feel the
heartbeat or it appears to be very slow, an external
cardiac massage can be initiated; in cases where the
animal is born without a heartbeat this will be futile.
Consult with your veterinarian about learning these
techniques. Your veterinarian may also be able to
administer emergency drugs to the calf in an attempt to
save its life.

OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER:

SWOLLEN HEAD & TONGUE
When calves become wedged in the birth canal for a
period of time, the head and tongue will be edematous
and swell up. Once the calf is delivered the circulation will
improve and over time the swelling will decrease.
Gently massaging the head might be helpful in decreasing
the swelling as well. However, in some severe cases, the calf
will be unable to nurse. Therefore, colostrum and nutritional
support via tube feeding needs to be provided until the calf
is able to suckle on its own.
PREVENTION OF NAVEL ILL
One of the key factors of preventing navel ill is
ensuring that the calf receives early, good quality colostrum.
Additionally, it is advised to dip the navel from the tip to
the abdomen in an antiseptic solution, such as 0.5 percent
chlorhexidine. Early navel disinfection subsequently reduces
the risk of the calf getting sick or dying.
TEMPERATURE
Environmental conditions such as cold, wind and
moisture can increase calf death. Calves experience a
dramatic shift in environmental temperatures when changing
from the intra- to extra-uterine environment. Newborn
calves do not thermoregulate very well; this is even more
impaired in calves born following dystocia.
Check the rectal body temperature frequently (every 10
to 15 minutes initially) and use a heat lamp, blankets, hair
dryers or heating pads if needed. You can remove the heating
aid once the body temperature reaches 98 to 99 degrees F.
However the normal body temperature is 100 to 102 degrees
F.
Make sure that the heat lamp is not placed too closely to
the calf, which can lead to burning. Keep checking the calf s
temperature after removing the heating aid in case the body
temperature drops again.
COLOSTRUM
Colostrum contains antibodies against disease organisms,
as well as vitamins, proteins and minerals. Calves are born
without any antibodies and need to ingest colostrum
within the first 24 hours after they are born. Inadequate
colostrum intake will lead to failure of passive transfer of
immunoglobulins (FPT) which negatively affects the health

and subsequently the survival of the calf. Ensuring adequate

colostrum intake of high risk calves can increase their chance
of successful weaning.
Dystocia calves should receive colostrum via a bottle or
esophageal tube instead of relying on them standing and
nursing from their dam. Beef calves that do not get adequate
colostrum intake and absorption may be nine times more
likely to become ill in the pre-weaning period than calves that
do receive and absorb enough colostrum.

A healthy, normal beef

calf should:
1. Start breathing within 30 seconds
2. Lift up its head within 2 minutes
3. Place itself in a sternal position
within 2 to 3 minutes
4. Try to stand within 20 minutes
5. Be able to stand within 60 minutes
6. Have good muscle tone
7. Respond to pinching between the
hooves by pulling the foot away, or
to placing a (clean) finger into the
mouth by starting to suckle (normal
reflexes)

The economic viability of a beef herd is influenced by

the number of calves weaned. The care of calving cows and
newborn calves is detrimental to increase the profitability of
your operation.
Please consult with your veterinarian to discuss the
different aspects of your calf management and resuscitation
efforts.

Identification of High Risk Calves

Before Birth

During Birth

After Birth

Premature Birth

Head & Tounge are swollen

No Gasping or Breathing for air

Twin Calvings
calf presents incorrectly
slow/tight/hard calving

gums & muzzle appear bluish

yellow/borown/red fluid is
staining the calf
poor reflexes when you
pinch between the hooves

calf is lying on its side unable

to lift its head.
Calf is slow to sit up, stand
and suckle

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