Last 2007 calf finally here/lame foot

[Cloverbell]

Yesterday, 15 days late (!), our last calf of the 2007 year was born. I know for sure when the cow was serviced and I took the bull out soon after. If she had not shown daily progress (bag filling up, backside getting flabby, etc) I would have been more worried. Instead I was annoyed because HH and farm man both were sure I got the dates wrong.

They believe me now because this bull calf is a hoss! 62 pounds! Our heifers averaged 42 pounds this year and the bull calfs averaged maybe 52.

His front foot (above pasturn) is turned under a bit above the hoof. The vet guessed immediately (on the phone) that he was 1. Big 2. Late 3. Male. He is encouraging me to wait another day and that it is probably tendons, not broken.

I was there for the birth (pulled the sac off his face when he looked like he was struggling to breathe a bit) and he was trying to get up right away. He can walk but that front leg buckles under every time.

Anyone else had this happen? Our neighbors (and others up at the local diner) say they've all had it happen too and time and mama's milk will help. Vet offered a shot of vitamins A, D & E.

Just glad to have the season over. It was a pretty good one - 5 heifers, 3 bull calves.

[lsg]

Yes, we have had this happen several times with our beef herd. It usually straightens up in a week or two. Sometimes DH strengthens the foot by wrapping furnace or duct tape around the area to support it. If you try this, make sure the tape is not too tight or it might cut off the circulation.

[Cloverbell]

I'm feeling better about it since he was LEAPING around a minute ago. The foot is still not straightened out though.

[Olga]

I would rather try the 3M wrap (you'll find it at any vet supply or feed store, usually in the equine section), if you're going to wrap at all. It should straighten out on its own, since it's "stiff" redifined! Can you imagine, being cramped in a uterus for the last month or so!! Congrats on the bull, Linda!

[copperhead]

Wow clover, that is one big a** calf !! I wouldn't worry too much about the turned leg, he was just cramped up something awful. All his running and playing will strech it out. Congrats again, P.J.

[backwoods1]

When the foot buckles under when they are born it usually means your cows are not getting enough selenium. You can get injectale selenium form your vet for the calf. Check the mineral supplement blocks/ or loose to make sure if it is in there. I always make sure my cows get extra before calfing season starts to prevent this problem. Selenium also helps prevent with musle dease. The northeast of PA is known to have selenium deficeny in the soils. So we have to supplement.

[anthony]

Big calves will have this problem a lot. They get stretched out a bit which makes that ligament a bit looser than it should be. Generally within 24-48 hours you will be fine. We have had beef calves do it on both front legs and it didn't take long, always is a bit pitiful looking. A bunch of folks have this problem when they run real big Cont. Bulls on smaller cows...

[peastickcowboy]

Cloverbell, You can make a splint to support the foot and help hold it in position by taking a piece of plastic water pipe, cutting it to the lengh you need, splitting it, then put it around the ankle or leg, then tape it back together. We had a calf once that had both front feet buckled under and did this which helped him support himself until it straightened out on it's own.