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Tube feeding calves is a critical practice in ensuring the health and survival of newborn calves, particularly in situations where they are unable to nurse adequately on their own. Colostrum is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients that provide passive immunity and support early development. Ensuring that calves receive colostrum within the first few hours of life is paramount as it enhances their resistance to diseases and sets a foundation for robust growth.

What is Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding involves the insertion of a flexible tube through the calf's mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. This method is used to deliver colostrum, milk, or other nutritional supplements directly to the stomach when a calf is unable or unwilling to nurse naturally. Tube feeding is a controlled and efficient way to ensure that calves receive the necessary nutrients and antibodies during the critical early hours and days of life.

When is Tube Feeding Needed

Tube feeding is necessary under several circumstances:

  • Weak or Unresponsive Calves: Newborns that are too weak or unresponsive to nurse naturally.
  • Poor Suckling Reflex: Calves that do not exhibit a strong suckling reflex within the critical first hours.
  • Separation from the Dam: When the mother is unavailable, uncooperative, or incapable of feeding the calf.
  • Health Issues: Calves born with health complications or those who are at risk of not receiving adequate nutrition.

Recognizing these situations promptly ensures timely intervention and minimizes the risk of mortality and long-term health issues.

How to Tube Feed

Preparation

  • Colostrum Quality: Use high-quality colostrum, measured using a refractometer. Warm the colostrum to body temperature (around 39°C or 102°F) to make it more palatable and effective.
  • Equipment: Ensure your trusti tuber is clean and sterile.

Restrain the Calf

  • Secure the calf in a standing position or, if the calf is too weak to stand, gently restrain it in a sitting position to minimize stress and movement

    • Mouthpiece placement:

  • Trusti: Place the mouthpiece so that the circular guard connects with the muzzle.
  • Flexi: Place the mouthpiece so that the bit is in the corners of the calves mouth

Inserting the Tube

  • Correct Placement: Insert the tube gently into the calf’s mouth, guiding it over the tongue and down the esophagus. Ensure the tube is correctly placed in the esophagus and not the trachea. To confirm placement, feel for the tube in the calf’s neck and check for resistance (if there is resistance, it may be in the trachea).
  • Listening for Breathing: Listen to ensure the calf is breathing normally and not coughing, indicating the tube is in the esophagus and not the airway.

Feeding

  • Gradual Administration: Slowly lift the bottle, allowing the colostrum to flow by gravity. It is important to make sure the calves head is above their stomach when they are feeding to enable safe swallowing.
  • Monitoring: Observe the calf for any signs of distress during the feeding process. Stop immediately if the calf shows signs of discomfort or difficulty breathing

Aftercare

  • Tube Removal: Lower the bottle, waiting for the last liquid to flow through the tube, then carefully and steadily remove the tube once the feeding is complete.
  • Calf Monitoring: Monitor the calf closely for any adverse reactions or complications. Ensure the calf is warm and comfortable.

Sanitation

  • Cleaning Equipment: Thoroughly clean and sanitize all feeding equipment after each use to prevent infections and cross-contamination.

Videos

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