Temperature in calves is normal: averages and what to do with deviations

What is the temperature index of calves under normal conditions, you need to know not only veterinarians, but also farmers. This parameter determines the processes of vital activity in the body of young bulls. By changing the value, it is quite easy to diagnose the first symptoms of an incipient disease. Or to gain firm confidence that nothing threatens the he alth of animals.

Temperature norm for calves

Temperature indicators in warm-blooded animals, like in humans, do not depend on the time of day or weather. Moreover, they are not related to the ambient temperature.For cattle, the range from 37.5 to 39.5 degrees Celsius is considered the norm. But with some reservations. Cows have a hot body, especially a couple of months before calving.

Even higher temperature in calves. Moreover, the normal value of one-month-old cubs does not coincide with that of newborns. Livestock breeders have the following indicators (data are given in degrees):

• up to 6 weeks of age - 38.5-40.5;
• from 6 weeks to 2 months - 38.5-40.2;
• from 2 months of age to 1 year - 38.5-39.8.

Thus, the older the animal becomes, the lower its temperature. These values are averages and may vary due to certain circumstances.

Possible reasons for the increase

The very first version of a beginner, not having enough experience in the breeder - the calf got sick.It is not unfounded, but for final conclusions, all factors should be taken into account. In addition, to judge certain symptoms, to make a diagnosis, the qualification of a veterinarian is required.

To begin with, let's deal with some typical misconceptions of cattle owners. Someone came up with the idea that the temperature indicator is somehow connected with the hot (cold) nose of the calf. This is fundamentally wrong. Further, the temperature is measured not like in a person, under the armpit, by contact, but only rectally, in the anus.

Farmers should be alerted by significant (up to 1, 2 degrees) emissions in both directions, both up and down. The primary symptom of food poisoning, consumption of low-quality food, damage to the intestinal microflora by pathogens is an increase in body temperature.

For newborn calves, it is important to ensure proper housing conditions so that they do not get cold. Otherwise, cattle get sick with a cold, according to this indicator, a cow is perhaps the most sensitive pet.

In rare cases, there is a drop in body temperature. This is also a pathology associated with poisoning with poisons. For example, mushrooms, chemicals, potent substances got into food. The final diagnosis is made by a veterinarian. The owner should be alerted by the behavior of cattle, lethargy, anxious lowing, apathy or a change in body temperature.

How to take a calf's temperature

To control the indicator, it is necessary to carefully insert the thermometer into the anus without disturbing the animal. In the absence of experience, it will be better to entrust this action to a veterinarian or enlist the help of someone else. Mercury, electronic devices are used.

In the first case, to obtain a reliable result, the measurement is carried out for 10 minutes. The second one is fast: after 15 seconds, the measurement is ready. Before use, the device (sensor) is disinfected, lubricated with Vaseline. Hands before the procedure are washed with soap and rubber gloves are used.

The animal should be restrained (fixed) to avoid injury. After the measurement, the procedure with the processing of the device is repeated. If this is not done, the entire herd may become infected.

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