Farm Talk

Livestock

February 16, 2010

Combating respiratory problems in calves

by Donald Stotts

Cattle producers expecting a calf crop should take time now to review procedures to combat respiratory acidosis in newborn animals.

“Every baby calf born is in a situation where there is a build-up of carbon dioxide and its byproduct lactic acid during the delivery process,” said Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension cattle reproduction specialist.

Delayed passage through the birth canal in the face of uterine contractions that pinch off the umbilical cord comprises oxygenation of the calf.

Although the calf is able to breathe as soon as its nose passes the lips of the vulva, expansion of the chest is restricted in the narrow birth canal.

“This situation is seriously aggravated when continuous forced traction is applied,” Selk said. “As soon as the calf’s head has passed the lips of the vulva, traction should be interrupted, the nostrils cleared of mucus and cold water applied to the head.”

Again, when the calf is completely delivered, primary attention is directed toward establishing respiration.

Mucus and fetal fluids should be expressed from the nose and mouth by external pressure of the thumbs along the bridge of the nose and flat fingers underneath the jaws, sliding from the level of the eyes toward the muzzle.

Selk said the common practice of suspending the calf by its hindlegs to ‘clear the lungs’ must be questioned.

“Most of the fluids that drain from the mouth of these calves probably come from the stomach, and the weight of the intestines on the diaphragm makes expansion of the lungs difficult,” he said. “The most effective way to clear the airway is by suction.”

Respiration is stimulated by many factors, but only ventilation of the lungs allows the cattle producer to render help immediately.

“Brisk rubbing of the skin and tickling inside the nostril with a piece of straw also has a favorable effect,” Selk said. “The phrenic nerve can be stimulated with a sharp tap on the chest slightly above and behind where the heartbeat can be felt.”

Producers can pick up additional science-based information and recommendations on cattle management topics by visiting the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources site www.beef extension.com/ on the Internet.

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