Paul Miller, Greenville, Ohio, doesn’t like using an esophageal feeder. “I’m always worried I might injure the calf or get the tube in their lungs.”
Miller, who raises around 300 calves at a time, is not the only producer or calf operator who has reservations about esophageal feeders. A study conducted by the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) shows that only 2 percent of dairy producers use an esophageal feeder to ensure 1 gallon of colostrum intake in newborn calves.
Jan Gawthrop, veterinarian and owner of CalfCare, a veterinary practice in North Manchester, Ind., says that although unpleasant, feeding calves with an esophageal feeder can be the difference between a dead calf and healthy calf. Learning the proper technique for using an esophageal feeder helps you provide adequate colostrum or give a sick animal needed milk or electolytes. Here’s how to improve your technique:
Step 1: If you don’t already have one, purchase an esophageal feeder. You can get them from your farm supply store for around $8 to $10.
Examine your esophageal feeder. Most tubes have a plastic sheath over the end to mark the amount of tube you insert.
If your feeder does not have this sheath, mark the length of the tube that needs to be inserted, says Jud Heinrichs, dairy scientist at Penn State University. To do this, place the tube at an angle from the calf’s mouth to the point of the shoulder. Place a piece of tape on the tube marking this distance. When inserting the tube, stop when the piece of tape reaches the nose.
Gawthrop recommends using an esophageal feeder that has an arching tube. This arch helps the tube move through the esophagus.
Step 2: Warm the tube in water. You may want to lubricate the end of the tube with colostrum or milk.
Step 3: Fill the bag with milk, colostrum or electrolytes. Some bags detach from the tube while others are attached and have a clamp valve to stop the flow of milk.
Step 4: Get the calf to stand. If possible, brace the animal against a wall or fence. You want to minimize the calf being able to move and toss its head. This can cause injury.
Step 5: To insert, open the calf’s mouth by applying pressure to its gums with your fingers. Insert the tube along the tongue. This will cause the calf to start swallowing and chewing. Many producers and calf raisers worry about placing the tube into the trachea--instead of the esophagus. The ball on the end of the tube should not be able to fit into the trachea.
“The trachea is a rigid structure, while the esophagus is smooth and flexible,” says Gawthrop.
If you are concerned about accidentally placing the tube down the trachea, have someone else hold the bag of milk. This way you can use both of your hands to feel the tube moving into the esophagus--along the left side of the calf’s neck.
Step 6: Once you reach the end of the sheath or your tape mark, attach the bag or release the clamp and dispense the fluid. When finished, remove the tube slowly.
Step 7: Clean the feeder throughly with warm water and soap.
Gathrop recommends replacing the tube after using it 30 to 40 times.
Reprinted with permission from Dairy
Herd Management / October 1997
Written by Rhonda Franck