The birth of a calf, kid, lamb, or piglet is a time of happiness and hope for all animal farmers. But this happiness can soon turn into unhappiness if the baby does not live or gets sick because of ignorance or negligence. The first few hours and days post-birth are the most important part of an animal's life. Care at this period can guarantee survival, minimize disease risk, and provide a solid foundation for later productivity.
Sadly, most farmers lose young animals through poor postnatal management without being aware of it. This not only causes emotional loss but also financial losses. Therefore, knowledge on how to handle newborn animals well after they have been born is crucial for successful animal husbandry. Let’s explore step-by-step how to take care of newborn animals in the most effective way.
- Immediate Care After Birth
- Cleaning and Disinfection:
Immediately after birth, the newborn's nose and mouth must be cleared of mucus so that it can breathe. Let the mother lick the newborn, which helps clean the body, promotes blood flow, and enhances bonding. If the mother is not able to clean, clean the newborn with a soft, warm cloth.
Cut the umbilical cord with a clean blade or scissors 1–2 inches from the body. Disinfect the stump immediately with tincture of iodine or another suitable antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection, which can cause navel ill or joint disease.
- Feeding Colostrum:
The mother's first milk is colostrum, which is the most important diet for a new baby. It contains antibodies and must-have nutrients. Give colostrum in the first 30 minutes to 2 hours after delivery. Ideally, give colostrum to the new baby as much as 10% of the body weight in the first 24 hours.
- Shelter and Warmth
- Dry and Hygienic Environment:
A dry, clean, and comfortable environment prevents infection. Offer soft bedding with dry grass, straw, or sawdust. Make sure the area is well ventilated but safe from cold winds and rain.
- Protection against Weather Extremes:
Newborn babies are cold-sensitive and temperature-sensitive. In winter, keep them wrapped in a blanket or gunny bag. Heat lamps and hot water bottles (wrapped in cloth) can be used for extra warmth. In summer, provide shade and cool water to drink.
- Feeding Management
- Transition from Colostrum to Milk:
After 3 days of colostrum, days of colostrum, give regular milk or milk replacer. Always provide milk at body temperature (about 37°C). Cold milk may lead to digestive disturbances and diarrhea.
- Introduction to Solid Feed:
From 7–10 days of age, introduce small amounts of solid feed such as calf starter, chopped green fodder, or grain mash. This matures the digestive system and aids in healthy weaning.
- Fresh Water Access:
Even young animals require clean and fresh water. It aids digestion and maintains them hydrated.
- Health Care and Disease Prevention
- Vaccination and Deworming:
Consult a vet and strictly follow the prescribed vaccination schedule to safeguard against ailments like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and more. Deworming must be initiated from about 2–3 weeks of age and then repeated as and when required.
- Monitoring for illness:
Monitor for signs of weakness, poor feeding, diarrhea, coughing, swollen joints, or fever. Detection and immediate treatment by a veterinarian can minimize major health complications.
- Care for Orphaned or Weak Newborns
If the mother dies, will not nurse, or gives insufficient milk, feed the newborn on another lactating animal or on a milk replacer. Utilize clean feeding bottles with soft nipples. Attempt to get colostrum from another mother animal within the first few hours of life since it is crucial for survival.
Warm, clean, and apart from stronger animals, keep the weak or orphaned animals to prevent injuries or bullying.
A successful livestock business is built on the foundation of healthy newborn animals. Farmers can avoid infections, lower mortality, and encourage faster growth by giving timely care. The animal's future productivity can be significantly impacted by small measures like timely colostrum feeding, maintaining the animal's body temperature, and adhering to a vaccine schedule.
Farmers may produce healthy animals that contribute to their farms' long-term sustainability and financial success with the right knowledge and care. Recall that the foundation of a lucrative and healthy herd is a healthy start in life.
