How to Stomach Tube a Calf

Note Number: AG0503
Updated: February 2006

This Agriculture Note describes the use of stomach tubes to feed new-born or scouring calves.

Introduction

Weak calves may not be able to drink liquids from a teat. Stomach tubing is the best way of ensuring that they consume enough liquid. Some dairy farmers routinely stomach tube all new-born calves to provide colostrum and be certain that they will absorb sufficient antibodies to enhance their immunity against diseases. Scouring calves with severe dehydration, that are too weak to drink themselves, can also be stomach tubed.

The stomach tube is a flexible piece of plastic tubing with a tear-shaped end designed to be easily inserted into the oesophagus, but not into the lungs. It is usually attached to a plastic container holding the liquid feed.

The Process of Stomach Tubing

The first step in using the stomach tube is to determine the length of tube to be inserted. This is measured as the distance from the tip of the calf's nose to the point of its elbow behind the front leg, usually 45 cm or more. This point can be marked on the tube with a piece of tape.

Ideally, the calf should be standing so the fluids are less likely to back up and enter its lungs. However, calves that are too weak to stand, can be tubed in a sitting position and even while lying down. The stomach tube is easier to use when calves are restrained. Young calves can be backed into a corner for better head control. A calf allowed to throw its head from side to side may injure itself or you.

If the weather is cold, the tube can be placed in warm water to make it more pliable. The tube should be dipped into a lubricant, such as mineral or vegetable oil. The tip of the tube is then placed into colostrum or whole milk, whichever is to be fed. Calves may suck the end of the tube, making it easier for it pass into the oesophagus.

A calf's mouth can be opened by gently squeezing the corner of the mouth or by grabbing its head over the bridge of the nose and gently squeezing the upper palate or gums.

Once it is opened, the empty tube should be passed slowly along the tongue to the back of the mouth. When the tube is over the back of the tongue, the calf starts chewing and swallowing it, after which the tube is passed down into the oesophagus. The end of the tube can be felt quite easily. Never force the tube; if it is being correctly put down the oesphagus, it should slide in quite easily.

After the tube is in place and before any fluids are given, it should be checked for proper positioning in the oesophagus. If it is properly positioned, the rings of the trachea (leading into the lungs) and the rigid enlarged oesophagus can be felt easily. If you cannot feel both of these, remove the tube and start again.

The exposed end of the tube should be checked for spurts of air, which indicate that the tube has gone into the lungs. The calf will often cough, but not always, if this occurs.

The tube can be unclipped or straightened out or the container can be tipped up to allow liquid to flow down into the stomach. Liquids should be at body temperature (38C) to prevent shock to an already weak calf. It may take three minutes or more to allow sufficient fluid to be administered. The calf will regurgitate less with a slow flow rate.

When feeding is over, the tube should be slowly removed. The tube should be cleaned and sanitised, then allowed to drain and dry.

Using Stomach Tubes to Relieve Abdominal Pressure

Stomach tubing can also be used to relieve pressure buildup in the stomach during milk bloat. This can occur with twice daily feeding of some milk replacers. This is the result of the previous curd of clotted milk not being given sufficient time to digest before the calf is offered further milk replacer.

Milk bloat can also occur when milk enters the rumen rather than the abomasum and ferments with other ruminal contents. This can restrict the escape of ruminal gases. This may occur when calves have functional rumens and, in these cases, they can be weaned off milk. Where this problem occurs in immature calves, they should be examined further by a veterinarian.

To relieve pressure buildup, introduce the tube without the bottle attached, into the calf’s oesophagus as described above. The gas should then be heard escaping, generally with a foul smell, and the distended abdomen will quickly return to normal.

The previous version of this note was published in December 2001.

John Moran, Kyabram

The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.