What body temperature should a cow have?
The cow's body temperature should always be within the normal range. An increase not only worsens the general condition of the cow, but can also indicate the presence of certain diseases that can lead to retirement. Among other things, the increased temperature overloads the animal's body. In order to get rid of the load, it is necessary to use antipyretic anti-inflammatory drugs. It should be remembered that the existing disease does not always disappear with a high rate. Sometimes the temperature drops, and the reason for its appearance remains unresolved.
Cow body temperature
Interestingly, the absent temperature does not always indicate the absence of a problem. So, even a slide is sometimes considered a violation.
Often, an elevated body temperature occurs after parturition. This is due to the decomposition of the bacteria of the fetal membrane or complications after calving, as well as the delay of certain vital components. It is not recommended to treat a problem with an unexplained origin without a veterinarian.
How to measure
The body temperature of a cow normally ranges from 38 to 39 ° C, but some inconsistencies do occur. In the animal kingdom, there are species, the norm of which may differ significantly from the accepted one. It can be determined only after consulting a doctor, who will find out whether the animal has one or another ailment and tell you what to do.
Separately, it is necessary to discuss the calf norm. What temperature is considered comfortable for him? In this case, a high rate is considered only a physiological feature. Depending on the age, the normal temperature of the baby fluctuates as follows:
- age up to 5-6 weeks - 38.5-41 ° С;
- age up to 2 months - up to 40.2 ° С;
- up to a year - up to 40 ° C.
After that, these figures can already be considered a deviation. The body temperature of a cow is measured with an ordinary animal thermometer, which can be purchased at any pet store for a small amount. To determine t most accurately, an animal thermometer is inserted into one of the cow's holes. Using other options does not give accurate results. The temperature is checked mainly through the vagina, but in this case, there are some nuances. Thus, the result can vary significantly when measured on a normal day and when measured after calving and during estrus. During pregnancy and during estrus, the numbers on the thermometer can be significantly higher than usual. That is why it is important to know what is the normal temperature for cows.
A thermometer is a necessary item for the household; it is important to rinse and disinfect it especially thoroughly. If this is not done, there is a risk of infecting animals with pathogenic microbes and parasites. Disinfection should take place both before and after finding out the pet's body temperature. Veterinarians advise to fix the animal in order to avoid injury: the heifer is capable of butting or hitting.If the cow has a temperature, then you need to be prepared for the fact that she will offer maximum resistance to any actions due to anxiety.
Why is the importance rising
Despite the fact that only a veterinarian can diagnose the true cause of an elevated body temperature in cows, the livestock owner should also be aware of the main factors affecting the animal's health.
Often, the temperature is caused by endogenous and exogenous substances, in other words, pyrogens, which appear inside as a reaction to infection and inflammation. Exogenous substances - microorganisms, toxins and their waste products. A striking example of exogenes is poisons that arose after certain bacteria died or shared. They can die, thanks to the body's defense mechanism or with the help of antibiotics.
Cows have incredibly weak and vulnerable organisms, they do not perceive inedible or even more poisonous substances. Let the calf from birth and has resistance to microbes and viruses, but this is not always able to help him, because sometimes a disease or poisoning is not at all associated with the appearance of microbes. Therefore, in addition to the penetration of the wrong and spoiled food into the body, the following factors can also affect the increase in body temperature in cows:
- the use of rotten hay and poor-quality feed (the cow should not eat potato tubers, which ripened in the sun);
- penetration into the body of mineral fertilizers and pest control agents;
- violation of conditions of detention;
- ingestion of poisonous fungi and plants.
Symptoms accompanying body temperature in a cow may be gagging and diarrhea, lack of appetite (eating little), and increased heart rate. In severe cases, the cow's body temperature can be accompanied by vestibular complications, deterioration in mood, fatigue, apathy, and convulsions. The difficulty is that knocking down body temperature will be pointless. When it is not possible to bring it down, it is necessary to remove the poison from the animal in another way: through an operation. In addition, livestock owners should always have products that neutralize poisons and toxins on hand.
A normal temperature in any calf is a guarantee of its health.
Consequences of increased rates
Lowering a cow's body temperature does not mean solving health problems. Inexperienced farmers lose sight of the fact that you need to fight the cause, not the consequences. Sometimes, by lowering the body temperature, you can provoke a deterioration in the general condition, because sometimes by increasing the temperature and the enhanced work of the immune system, the body tries to remove viruses or bacteria that have penetrated into it. It is the high temperature that prevents the growth of bacteria, helps to eliminate pathogens and infection.
Doctor's consultation is essential. A person should not allow rash actions, so as not to worsen the condition of the animal. If the body temperature differs from the norm for a long time, such consequences as an acceleration of metabolism may appear, which will only lead to disruptions in the work of internal organs and a violation in the neutralization of harmful substances. The latter include not only spoiled food, but also products left in the body by harmful microorganisms, the remnants of already dead parasites, the removal of which is not only necessary, but also obligatory. The listed factors only prove once again that only a doctor can correctly measure and bring down the fever.
How to control the condition
In order for the temperature of the cow, the calf to be normal, constant monitoring is necessary. When symptoms appear, it is important to immediately subject the animal to a diagnosis or examination. It is also important to check the cattle after calving, long-term illness.It is necessary to inspect the udder of a cow, to monitor her condition for a month after giving birth. The same goes for the calf being born. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly understand what a cow's calf temperature will be in an acceptable value in order to avoid mistakes.
In the case when the normal t is violated, special complex measures can be prescribed to eliminate the disease. Veterinarians carry out etiological procedures, but when pneumonia appears, antibiotics and other medications are prescribed.
It is impossible to diagnose yourself, because taking inappropriate drugs will only delay recovery. Sometimes animals with pneumonia are treated with hormonal agents. The favorite drugs of veterinarians are Polyflex, Penicillin. If there is paresis, then the administration of drugs with calcium is prescribed.
Remember that during the period of illness accompanied by fever, the animal must be completely at rest. It is necessary to provide the necessary painkillers, regulate food, constantly monitor the general well-being.
As it turned out, the temperature in a cow can rise and fall due to the influence of a huge number of factors, among which diseases are not always distinguished. Despite the fact that the normal temperature in healthy cows is 38-39 ° C, periods in life such as calving and estrus can completely change the numbers in both directions. Remember that whatever the norm, it is important to consider the general health of the animal and not jump to conclusions.