Angus calf was just wondering if I should be worried.

[arabianequine]

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/707440/angus-calf

 

[redtailgal]

I couldnt get your video to load, it says "This video is private".

His belly is round. What time of day was this taken? had he just eaten? can you get a pic first thing in the morning while the calf has an empty belly.

Is he showing any signs of discomfort with that belly? If so, drench about 3 tablespoons baking soda mixed with a little water and see if it goes down.


Judging by the pics, I'd be a little concerned about worms. Can you have a fecal done by your vet? (If he were mine, I would treat with ivermec or cydectin)


I'd also give some probios or yogurt to help with gut flora.

 

[TGreenhut]

I'd say check for worms. My goat had a potbelly like that when I first bought her and it turned out to be a heavy worm load. I recommend getting a fecal and treating for worms. Good luck!

 

[arabianequine]

I fixed the video. I just was thinking maybe eating too much? I give about 1-2 flakes a day. I let him run out till I give more. I always make sure he has hay though. He does stop. He seems fine. I have not wormed him though and I have not gave him probios since like 2-3 weeks old. His flank area is not swollen. I have been thinking to do that too.

He is just over 3 months old.

 

[redtailgal]

lol, I got the video to work. He's a cute fellow.

Yes, he should have free choice hay, your doing the right thing there.

Is he still on the bottle?

Is there a way you can have a fecal done?

I suspect worms, but keep in mind that when you worm him, his belly may stay big for quite a while.

 

[Bossroo]

Since this calf is only 3 months old and in a major growth phase, in addition to checking for worms, it needs much more calories than hay will provide. I would add powdered milk solids ( if he isn't on a bottle), calf manna, and grain ( rolled corn, oats, and barley) .

 

[aggieterpkatie]

If he's had antibiotics I'd give him so probios too.

 

[arabianequine]

He was weaned at 2 month off the bottle. Then I got him to finally eat grain he wouldnt for a while. Are dairy calves were eating it starting at 3 days old.

He did go through one bag of sweet cob.

I thought that more grain to would make him even fatter lol.

I thought a lot of people did not grain till the end like last month before butchering.

I did feed grain with all the dairy cows we raised and my husband said not too this time cause its not necessary and too expensive.

I do have him on grass and alfalfa right now. First time he has had the alfalfa. I am giving that slowly and more grass then alfalfa. I thought that would be good protein for him.

 

[ksalvagno]

He's a cute little bugger.

 

[redtailgal]

I dont do grain with the calves I raise for beef. They are weaned onto good quality pasture and hay. They dont finish out as big as the ones that get grain, but I prefer the grassfed beef over grainfed beef and am willing to sacrifice the extra weight for my own personal tastes.

I have seen others provide milk pellets to calves and the calves seem to do ok on it. I've never done it myself because I have never had the need.