Sometimes we see this type of behavior in heifers after delivering their first calf. This may be a reaction to the pain that her calf caused her during the calving process or a reaction to the pain that is a result of an engorged teat and udder that is sore and when the calf wants to nurse. You will need to monitor this closely so that the calf is not hurt. Continue to confine the dam so that the calf can nurse. Usually after some time, she will allow the calf to nurse without being confined. If she continues this behavior this may be a female that you want to cull from the herd.
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FAQ #28714
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I have a heifer that has just had her first calf three days ago. She is acting very aggressively toward the calf even to the point of not allowing it to nurse. If she is eating feed or confined in a chute, the calf can nurse; otherwise she is kicking the calf and/or butting the calf all over the corral. What can we do to fix the problem rather than forcing her to let the calf nurse?
Last Updated: October 09, 2008
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