Kansas calf's fight against odds

By Scout Nelson

This season’s first calf arrived unexpectedly early, born four weeks premature—a rare and daunting survival challenge for newborn livestock. Weighing just 35 pounds, about half the typical weight, this calf’s journey was fraught from the start.

On farms, natural instincts often govern animal care, but intervention becomes crucial in cases like this. The calf, born to a first-time heifer, experienced a quick birth, lacking the complications that larger calves might cause.

Immediate postnatal care, crucial for any calf, was even more critical for this one. The mother cleaned the calf, but its small size prevented it from standing to nurse, necessitating that it be hand-fed with vital colostrum.

Recognizing the calf’s needs, it was swiftly moved to a facility akin to a neonatal intensive care unit for farm animals. This dedicated space shielded both mother and calf from the elements, providing a controlled environment crucial for the calf's fragile condition.

For the next few days, the routine was grueling yet necessary. The cow was secured twice daily for milking, while efforts were made to assist the calf in standing and walking—a task it finally managed on day three, albeit briefly. These efforts, while physically taxing, were emotionally charged, fueling hope for the calf's recovery.

However, despite the tireless care and the small victories along the way, the calf succumbed on the fifth day. The loss was a heavy blow, especially after the intense emotional and physical investment in its survival. Farm life, with its inherent connection to both life and death, often brings profound lessons in resilience and acceptance.

This experience, though heartrending, underscores the realities of farming—where joy and sorrow intertwine daily. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance of life and the impact of our care efforts, no matter how brief their span. Each moment of struggle and each small victory marked the entirety of the calf’s life, offering lessons in the power of perseverance and the inevitability of letting go.

Photo Credit:istock-simplycreativephotography