Weak calf syndrome

Not all calves romp and play minutes after they're born. Weak calf syndrome is a term applied to a calf that's born alive, but is slow to stand. It may or may not attempt to nurse. Some calves survive this condition, but most die within a few days of birth. 

Michelle Arnold is the ruminant extension veterinarian at the University of Kentucky. She says the condition can be related to several factors, but the problem is usually with the cow, not the calf. Proper nutrition in the last 50-to-60-days of gestation is the key to preparing a calf for life outside of the cow. 

"Eighty-percent of fetal growth occurs in that last two-months. So during this time, the dam must have adequate nutrition to support the growth. They need additional nutrients to develop fetal brown fat that will supply energy for the calf to survive until it can nurse," says Arnold. "The two most important cow requirements are protein and energy."

Arnold says that calves born to cows on protein-restricted diets have less vigor, less ability to get warm, and more difficulty standing.  

A weak calf that hasn't nursed within one-hour of birth needs human intervention. 

"Especially if hasn't been cleaned off, or it's lying on its side, unable to sit up on its own," she says. "In these circumstances, you have to get the calf dried off, warm it up, and feed colostrum. And generally with an esophageal feeder because they're unable to nurse."

Keep in mind that since weak calf syndrome is often a management issue, it can be a whole-herd problem if cows aren't being fed the proper nutrition.