It is the time of year when we are expecting a few calves to be born on the farm. We have been on watch for due dates. While our mother cows usually deliver babies without assistance, we try to be aware so we can help if needed. Often we will move first -time mothers in a smaller pasture area so we can monitor them.

It was our intent to move Caroline to a pasture closer to the house and main barn to wait for the birth of her first baby. Her due date was getting closer. However, our best intentions didn’t get her moved and she surprised us a few days early.

On a Thursday, our oldest son noticed that we had a cow off by herself in the far pasture. My husband went out to check who it was and make sure she was okay. What he discovered was Caroline and a newborn baby bull calf! She had delivered the baby on her own, the calf was cleaned off and was attempting the nurse. My husband and son moved her up to the closer pasture.

We frequently checked on him and his mother. He seemed to be nursing frequently. She was very patient with him nursing and licking him. She mooed at us when we came to the fence. She had great mothering instincts for a first-time mom.We did notice that Caroline’s udder was very small. But, things seemed to be going well.

By Sunday afternoon, we noticed the calf was panting. It was a warm day, but nothing extreme. We decided to try a half bottle of milk replacer. He drank the half bottle and then took most of a second half bottle. We opened an area of the barn with more shade and a fan. By that evening, we decided that some electrolytes might be in order. We were able to get him to drink a little of the electrolytes from the bottle, but he did not really like it.

On Monday morning, my husband sent a message to the vet. The calf poop looked suspicious. By afternoon, the vet came out to the farm. She thought it was something viral since no other animals had any issues. The calf had a fever of 105 (102 is normal). She was able to administer an anti-inflammatory and give electrolytes by IV. By evening, his temperature was back to normal.

The next week would be a schedule of morning and evening attempts to feed, taking temperature, and a dose of calf Pepto-Bismol. There were some days he would slurp down all or most of a bottle with his tail wagging. Other days, he was not interested as much but his tummy felt like there was something in it. He really did not care for the Pepto, but we wanted to reduce irritation of the tummy.

We knew he was doing well as he got a little harder to corral and hold for temperature taking. We were allowing mom and baby to enjoy their little pasture during the day and only putting in the barn at night. This allowed for us to monitor their poop and check the baby more easily each morning. It was fun to see the little guy run and jump around in the pasture. After about 10 days, the pair was let out in the pasture with some other cows with calves.

We are continuing to monitor the calf, but from a little farther away. It was an undertaking that we had not anticipated, but we are glad that is seems like it will turn out for the best.