Tempting sick cow to eat

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

Any suggestions?

The cow in question is too lively to tube safely and is drinking from a bucket and will lick a mineral block but we are struggling to get her eating. We have tried several types of silage, beef nuts, fresh grass and even horse chaff and she will take a mouthful or two but then lose interest.

Is there anything I can give her to stimulate appetite or that is impossible for a cow to resist?

Kevtherev · Jan 9, 2017

Molasses?

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

That was going to be my next trial but I need to go out and buy some so thought I'd ask first

Flossie · Jan 9, 2017

Shadow said:
Any suggestions?

The cow in question is too lively to tube safely and is drinking from a bucket and will lick a mineral block but we are struggling to get her eating. We have tried several types of silage, beef nuts, fresh grass and even horse chaff and she will take a mouthful or two but then lose interest.

Is there anything I can give her to stimulate appetite or that is impossible for a cow to resist?

Is she new calved? What's caused her to go off her grub?

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

Flossie said:
Is she new calved? What's caused her to go off her grub?

Bit of a mystery really. She went down with what we thought was pneumonia but vet says there is pleural inflammation and symptoms match fog fever but with a raised temperature.

Flossie · Jan 9, 2017

Shadow said:
Bit of a mystery really. She went down with what we thought was pneumonia but vet says there is pleural inflammation and symptoms match fog fever but with a raised temperature.

I take it she's on AB's for that lot? Have you a crush you can get her in? Pump her up with a Pro-rumen in 20 litres of warm water, a bottle of glucose in the vein and (I think) a shot of steroids to try and kick start the rumen. Have you seen her cudding?

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

Flossie said:
I take it she's on AB's for that lot? Have you a crush you can get her in? Pump her up with a Pro-rumen in 20 litres of warm water, a bottle of glucose in the vein and (I think) a shot of steroids to try and kick start the rumen. Have you seen her cudding?

Yes it has taken 3 different ABs to get on top of it

Unfortunately I don't think we could get her as far as the crush, she is pretty wobbly on her legs. Not seen cudding but last dropping was tiny but normal looking. Vet was reluctant to use steroids at this stage but will ask about glucose. Thanks

Northeastfarmer · Jan 9, 2017

Why do they always get sick when there's no sweet new grass about!

Nearly · Jan 9, 2017

Ivy?

Old wives remedy,
suggested by my.....oh never mind.

rc mx110 · Jan 9, 2017

Shadow said:
Yes it has taken 3 different ABs to get on top of it

Unfortunately I don't think we could get her as far as the crush, she is pretty wobbly on her legs. Not seen cudding but last dropping was tiny but normal looking. Vet was reluctant to use steroids at this stage but will ask about glucose. Thanks

How have u been jabbing her? If sbe can't get to crush? If you can grab her nose u can pump her imo

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

Nearly said:
Ivy?

Old wives remedy,
suggested by my.....oh never mind.

Does that work for cattle? I know sheep self medicate on it but there is tons of it here so can give it a go!

rc mx110 · Jan 9, 2017

Shadow said:
Any suggestions?

The cow in question is too lively to tube safely and is drinking from a bucket and will lick a mineral block but we are struggling to get her eating. We have tried several types of silage, beef nuts, fresh grass and even horse chaff and she will take a mouthful or two but then lose interest.

Is there anything I can give her to stimulate appetite or that is impossible for a cow to resist?

Calf coarse starter mix is what we got a cow to skowly nibble once

bovine · Jan 9, 2017

If she's not in calf she needs some steroids. Vet should check blood glucose and ketones. Get some glycol into her and possibly pro rumen.

Dr. Alkathene · Jan 9, 2017

Nice bit of silage, blend / nuts on top. Pour a good dollop of molasses on top.

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

rc mx110 said:
How have u been jabbing her? If sbe can't get to crush? If you can grab her nose u can pump her imo

She is lying down most of the time so we have jabbed her where she is. She is, um, feisty to put it politely and now she is feeling better is throwing her head around if we try and get hold of her. Might have to just get an extra body on the job and get on with it but now she is drinking I don't want to risk making her throat sore so would rather persuade her to eat by herself

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

bovine said:
If she's not in calf she needs some steroids. Vet should check blood glucose and ketones. Get some glycol into her and possibly pro rumen.

She is in calf. Will ask vet about glycol and bloods tomorrow

Flossie · Jan 9, 2017

Shadow said:
Yes it has taken 3 different ABs to get on top of it

Unfortunately I don't think we could get her as far as the crush, she is pretty wobbly on her legs. Not seen cudding but last dropping was tiny but normal looking. Vet was reluctant to use steroids at this stage but will ask about glucose. Thanks

Get a halter on her and lash it to a gate or something secure in the pen

You need to see her cudding. That's the sign of a happy cow imo. You can see them eating, but a tiny muck points to them just existing. You want cudding and a big round pat at the other end.

Shadow · Jan 9, 2017

Flossie said:
Get a halter on her and lash it to a gate or something secure in the pen
You need to see her cudding. That's the sign of a happy cow imo. You can see them eating, but a tiny muck points to them just existing. You want cudding and a big round pat at the other end.

A big round pat would make me very happy! There is nothing to tie to in the shed but could take the telehandler in and lash to that I guess

CORNFLAKE · Jan 9, 2017

Try her with a bit of nice sweet smelling hay, it's usually irisistable.

ollie989898 · Jan 9, 2017

Propylene glycol in a bucket of warm water. Probably pump her with some first if you can. Sounds like some pain relief might go a long way as well.

Maize silage is the kiddie for a cow who isn't that keen on food. Most of em go nuts for the smell of it.

Tempting sick cow to eat

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