Question

i have a new born calf that wasn't nursering the momma so I had to give milk myself now the calf is nursing how long can I keep the momma away from calf and if I keep her away will she still nurse her mother after a day I have a newborn calf that wasn't nursing from its mother, so I had to feed it milk myself. Now the calf is nursing successfully. How long can I keep the mother away from the calf? If I keep them apart for a day, will the calf still nurse from its mother afterward?

Answer 1

It's great to hear that your calf is nursing successfully now! In terms of separating the calf from the mother, it's generally advisable to keep the separation as short as necessary, ideally no more than 24 hours, especially in the early days. The bond between the mother and calf is crucial for the calf's development, both physically and emotionally.

If you keep them apart for a day, the calf should still be able to nurse from its mother afterward. Calves possess strong instincts and will typically seek out the mother for milk. However, depending on the temperament of the mother and how early the separation takes place, there could be some behavioral adjustments needed, as both mother and calf may need a moment to re-establish their bond.

To facilitate the reintegration:

1. Allow them to see, hear, and smell each other during the separation if possible.
2. When reintroducing them, supervise closely to ensure that the calf nurses and that the mother is accepting of it.
3. Be mindful of stress levels in both animals, as too much stress can impact their interaction.

If you plan to keep them apart for an extended period due to other reasons, maintain the mother's milk supply by milking her, which will encourage her milk production for when they are reunited.

Always monitor both the mother and calf for stress or behavioral issues, and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about their health or behavior during this process.