Management of Newborn Farm and Pet Animals
Pandiri Keerthana*1, Arya M Narkhede1, M.S. Bawaskar2, D.S. Raghuwanshi2, A.P. Gawande2 and M.S. Patil2
- PhD Scholar, Department of ARGO, NVC, Nagpur
- Professor, Department of ARGO, NVC, Nagpur
Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Nagpur Veterinary College,
Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University-440006, Nagpur
Email ID: keerthanapandiri2307@gmail.com (Corresponding author)
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Abstract / Summary
The first few hours after birth are very important for the survival and healthy growth of a newborn animal. Calves, lambs, kids, piglets, foals, puppies and kittens are weak immediately after birth and can quickly develop problems if proper care is not provided. Difficult birth, delayed feeding, cold weather, starvation, dehydration and infection are some of the major causes of newborn illness and death. Common metabolic problems include hypothermia, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis and, less commonly, metabolic alkalosis. Simple steps such as drying the newborn, keeping it warm, ensuring early colostrum intake, maintaining cleanliness and monitoring its activity can prevent many problems. Weak or abnormal newborns should receive veterinary attention without delay.
Keywords: Newborn care, colostrum, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, neonatal management
Introduction
A newborn animal needs immediate attention after birth. Unlike an adult animal, it has limited energy reserves and is more easily affected by cold, hunger, dehydration and infection. Problems are particularly common after prolonged or difficult labour. Weak newborns may not stand or suckle properly and can become seriously ill within a short time (Mellor & Stafford, 2004).
Good newborn management mainly means keeping the animal warm, helping it breathe properly, providing colostrum early and maintaining hygiene. These simple practices can make a major difference in survival and future growth.
Care Immediately After Birth
As soon as the newborn is delivered, remove mucus and fluid from the nose and mouth so that breathing is not obstructed. Rub the body gently with a clean, dry towel to stimulate breathing and remove moisture.
The umbilical cord should be kept clean and disinfected to reduce the chance of infection. The newborn should be allowed to stay close to its mother whenever possible. It should also be observed carefully to make sure it is breathing normally and attempting to stand and suckle.
Colostrum: The First and Most Important Feed
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth. It provides antibodies, energy and several other nutrients needed by the newborn. Early intake is especially important because the ability of the newborn to absorb antibodies decreases with time after birth (Lopez-Bondarchuk & Costa, 2026).
A newborn that is weak, cold or unable to suckle needs special attention. If it cannot suckle on its own, veterinary advice should be taken regarding an appropriate method of feeding.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia means a dangerously low body temperature. It is common in newborn animals exposed to cold weather, rain, wet bedding or strong wind. Newborns with low energy reserves are especially vulnerable.
The newborn should be dried immediately and kept in a warm, dry and protected place. Deep, clean bedding can provide additional protection. Warming should be done gradually rather than exposing the animal to excessive heat.
Cold newborns often become weak and stop suckling, which can further worsen their condition. Therefore, warmth and early feeding should be given together.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia means low blood glucose. Newborn animals have limited energy reserves and can develop low blood glucose when they do not receive adequate milk or colostrum. Cold, weak and sick animals are at greater risk.
The newborn should receive colostrum as early as possible and should be monitored for normal suckling and activity. If an animal is too weak to suckle or remains dull despite feeding and warming, a veterinarian should be contacted. Severe hypoglycemia may require veterinary treatment (Hammon et al., 2013).
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is an imbalance in the body’s acid-base status. It may develop after prolonged or difficult birth, poor oxygen supply, severe dehydration or diarrhea. Newborns with acidosis may appear weak, depressed and unable to suckle normally.
The best approach is to identify and correct the underlying cause. In severe cases, veterinary examination and blood gas or acid-base assessment may be required. Early correction of breathing problems, dehydration and inadequate feeding can help reduce the risk of serious acidosis (Vitali et al., 2023).
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is another acid-base disturbance, but it is less commonly seen in newborn animals. It may occur with prolonged loss of stomach or abomasal contents, vomiting and disturbances of body fluids and electrolytes.
Because the cause can vary between species and individual animals, treatment should be based on veterinary examination. Giving fluids or other treatments without knowing the underlying problem may not correct the condition.
Dehydration and Infection
Clean housing is one of the simplest ways to protect a newborn. Wet and dirty bedding should be replaced regularly. The newborn should be checked several times a day for weakness, diarrhea, poor suckling, abnormal breathing or discharge from the nose and umbilicus.
Diarrhea is particularly dangerous because it can cause rapid loss of water and electrolytes and may also lead to hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis. Early treatment is therefore important.
Species-wise Newborn Care
| Animal | Important points |
| Calf and buffalo calf | Provide early colostrum, keep dry and warm, disinfect the navel and monitor suckling. |
| Lamb and kid | Protect from cold, especially during winter; ensure early colostrum and prevent starvation. |
| Piglet | Provide a warm, dry area and ensure early access to the sow’s colostrum. |
| Foal | Ensure normal breathing, early colostrum intake, warmth and cleanliness; monitor closely after difficult birth. |
| Puppy and kitten | Keep warm, ensure adequate nursing and monitor for weakness, dehydration and failure to suckle. |
Conclusion
Newborn care does not always require complicated procedures. Drying the animal, keeping it warm, providing colostrum early, maintaining cleanliness and watching its behaviour closely can prevent many serious problems. Hypothermia, hypoglycemia and acid-base disturbances can develop quickly in weak newborns. Therefore, any newborn that is cold, very weak, unable to suckle, continuously depressed or having breathing problems should be attended to promptly and examined by a veterinarian. Good care during the first few hours can greatly improve survival and help the newborn get a healthy start in life.
References
Hammon, H. M., Steinhoff-Wagner, J., Schönhusen, U., Metges, C. C., & Blum, J. W. (2013). Energy metabolism in the newborn farm animal with emphasis on the calf: Endocrine changes and responses to milk-born and systemic hormones. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 43(2), 171–185.
Lopez-Bondarchuk, E. V., & Costa, J. H. C. (2026). Quantification and the effects of secondary colostrum components on neonatal calf physiology and metabolism: A scoping review. Journal of Dairy Science, 109(6), 6170–6184.
Mellor, D. J., & Stafford, K. J. (2004). Animal welfare implications of neonatal mortality and morbidity in farm animals. The Veterinary Journal, 168(2), 118–133.
Vitali, A., et al. (2023). Vitality in newborn farm animals: Adverse factors, physiological responses, pharmacological therapies, and physical methods to increase neonate vigor. Animals, 13(9), 1542.
