Cattle Producers Handbook - Hypothermia in Newborn Beef Calves

Mortality in Beef Herds

• Mortality from birth to weaning: 3-7%
• Most deaths occur within the first hours of life
• Leading causes: dystocia (difficult births), cold stress (hypothermia)

Types of Hypothermia

Exposure Hypothermia

• Steady loss of body heat due to cold environment
• Affects all livestock, especially young, old, thin animals
• Causes: respiration, evaporation, lack of hair coat/body fat/weather protection

Immersion Hypothermia

• Rapid loss of heat due to wet hair coat in cold environment
• Common after birth due to saturation with uterine fluids
• Other causes: deep snow, wet ground, creeks, heavy rains followed by chilling winds

Symptoms of Hypothermia

• Early signs:
  • Shivering, increased pulse and breathing
  • Cold nostril, pale cold hooves (blood shunting)
• Mild hypothermia:
  • Core temperature drops below 101°F
  • Vigorous shivering, erratic behavior, confusion
  • Difficulty standing and suckling
• Severe hypothermia:
  • Body temperature drops below 94°F
  • Muscle rigidity, slow pulse and respiration
  • Below 86°F, vital organs cool, leading to unconsciousness
  • Possible mistaken for dead; heart failure may occur

Treatment of Hypothermia

• Use a thermometer to assess hypothermia
• Immediate concern: return core body temperature to normal (101°F for newborn calves)
• Methods:
  • Floor board heaters, warm baths, heat lamps
  • Feeding warm colostrum speeds recovery

Warming/Drying Boxes

• Homemade boxes: plywood with heat source and fan
  • Often leads to pneumonia due to humidity
  • Risk of heat stress if unattended
• Commercial boxes:
  • Overcome ventilation and overheating issues
  • Use circulating warm air and thermostats
  • Examples: R2-KL-HAT calf warmer, Calf Saver
  • Portable systems powered by RV battery for field use

Importance of Early Treatment

• Early treatment can save hypothermic calves
• Recovering calves may have compromised defense systems, risk of pneumonia, scours

References

• Various studies on calving management, factors affecting calf mortality, and hypothermia treatment in calves
• Authors and sources referenced include Bellows, Brunson, Dasari, Laster, Olson, Randall, Wiltbank, Young, and Blair.