DairyTalk 251: First Aid for Newborn Calves: What to Do in the Critical Minutes - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This practical guide outlines essential first-aid techniques for
newborn calves following difficult calvings. It explains how
simple physical actions - such as positioning, vigorous rubbing,
and targeted sensory stimulation - can help initiate breathing
and stabilize lung function. More advanced interventions,
including the Madigan Calf Squeeze technique, are presented as
tools to move lethargic calves into an alert state. The article
also stresses the importance of close monitoring after birth and
timely, high-quality colostrum intake. The focus is on decisive
action during the first critical minutes to significantly improve
calf survival and long-term vitality. With comments on a
"topagrar"-article (2/2026) by Ann-Christin Fry:
https://www.topagrar.com