First Zebu, Need Advice

[CatCow]

This post is no good without a photo......... seriously...

A photo of what?

 

[CatCow]

Also, we have 2 large ponds with clear water that we expected him to drink out of..but I haven't seen him drink from either one yet and I'm starting to get worried. I tried to coax him into coming to the waters edge, but he never seems to want to go that far. I filled a big bucket with water, right to the top, and led him to that but he showed no interest whatsoever. Will he just drink when he's thirsty? Or is there something else I can do to get him to drink? Or am I being a worry wart?

 

[greybeard]

The syringe says Banamine? It's been handwritten, so my spelling may be a little off..

Banamine is an anti-inflammatory drug that treats symptoms of shipping disease/BRDC, but does not treat the problem. It reduces fever and swelling, and does sometimes help prevent lung tissue scarring. The problem with using it alone, is that it makes the calf appear to be well, when it is not-may not be. Kind of like one of us having the flu and taking aspirin or tylenol but doing nothing about the influenza virus itself.
Anti-inflamatory is generally given in conjunction with an antibiotic such as Micotil, Nuflor, and Baytril 100, or Nacel (among other choices). Given by itself, it too often provides a false sense of relief to the owner and the animal--both short lived. Not surprising, full blown pneumonia is the usual next shoe to drop.

I am NOT saying this is what is going on here, but early last year, there was a notorious Craigslist seller here in East Texas that kept week old calves in very poor condition, crowded in a small filthy area and kept his calves shot up with Banamine anytime he knew someone was coming to look at one. The calves looked ok till the new owner got them home and the banamine had run it's course--worn off. Unscrupulous people have done the same thing right before sending young calves to the salebarn. No one bids on an obviously ill animal, and most auctions won't accept one for the ring.

(I personally would be very leery of buying an animal and the seller handing me a syringe for "in case it gets sick".)
If you are concerned that this one might be ill, just have a vet give him the once over.

 

[greybeard]

How old is this Zebu?

A photo of what?

Pretty sure they are wanting to see a picture of your new herd member.

 

[CatCow]

Oh, the picture of him is my profile picture but I'll put another one up. He is 2 years old. I'm in FL and we picked him up from a family in Eustis (about 2 hours away). The man seemed very friendly and we got to pick him up right where he kept his herd so we got to see that his digs were nicely taken care of. He also had his mother & father on site and all looked very healthy. He seemed sincerely concerned with his well being, that is; he called me later on and wanted to know that we got him home ok, as I explained that this is the first time we've had cattle. Hard to say with people though. But I will surely have a vet look him over - I've got to find one for him for the future anyway.

 

[greybeard]

Ahh--ok, I thought this might be a young calf. My mistake.

A 2 yr old is a lot less likely to have the same problems a young calf would when changing locations. They've had time to build their own immunities up as well.
IF, you are going to immunize, call the seller back and politely inquire which shots this one may already have had, so you'll have a starting point to rely on. It can save you some $$ and the vet some time--otherwise, the vet will probably recommend the whole protocol. (Some folks don't want their animals immunized at all, opting instead for the 100% organic type thing. )
Good luck with your new bull.

 

[SillyChicken]

yep, just wanted to see the picture of you new zebu... I would love to have one, but with our cold winters, it wouldn't be fair for us to get one. He's very handsome!

 

[CLSranch]

This seems to be the most recent Zebu thread. Joined this site mostly for more advice on Zebu's. How has your come along?