premature calf

[simmi1133]

the pic makes the calf look bigger than it is.  maybe 25lbs.  trying to save her.  is it normal for her to just lay around and sleep most of the day.  keeping plenty of milk and nutrients in her

 

[Gargan]

Can she stand?

 

[simmi1133]

not yet. she can get up on her back feet but not strong enough to get up on fronts

 

[LazyBL]

The calf can be saved if you give the effort, it'll require daily leg exercises and extra feeding care.  I have a cow that fits this same scenario, she just turned 15 this year.

 

[HGC]

We have had 2 calves born premature about 3-4 weeks over the years.  Not quite that small, ours were 40-50# and got up on there own.  Yes ours did sleep a lot.  Way way more than a normal calf, even past there normal due date.  The hair was very short and soft, looks a lot like yours.

 

[simmi1133]

ok guys thanks!  as of now still not sucking but still tubing her and she is doing good I think.  still not up just laying around and hasn't went to the bathroom yet either

 

[GoWyo]

Keep an eye on her body temp and environmental temperature.  They cannot regulate their temp very well that small and underdeveloped.

 

[RenFarms]

We had a preemie almost 5 years ago. 19 lbs, born in 105 degree heat and found the next day. Long story short, brought her home, used lamb feeder to get electrolytes in her for the first two feedings. Then used the feeder to give her canned goats mill, I think with a touch of karo and diluted with some water. She was a real fighter though, and it's amazing she made it. We call her Babycakes...yeah, I know. .  Photos show her at 10 days, a few months, and right after calving her first calf at age three. She's given us two dun heifers so far. Good luck!