🐮 Pain Relief in Newborn Calves: Improving Outcomes After Calving Trauma in 2025 💉🍼

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Birth trauma in calves isn’t just stressful—it can be deadly. Difficult calvings can leave calves fatigued, oxygen-deprived, cold, and sometimes injured. In 2025, research continues to show that early pain management improves calf vigor and survival odds. 🧠🐄

⚠️ Calving Trauma: A High-Risk Start

Newborn calves from assisted or difficult births often show:

• 🥱 Low energy or poor movement
• 💨 Labored breathing or low oxygen
• 🥶 Difficulty maintaining body temperature
• 🍼 Weak suckle reflex

These calves are far more likely to die within 24 hours if not monitored and treated early. ✅

🧪 Canadian Study: Pain Relief Makes a Difference

A study published in Bovine Vet Online observed 300 calves on two commercial dairy farms. Calves were evaluated for:

• 🧍 Vigor and responsiveness
• 💨 Respiratory effort
• 🍼 Suckle reflex and milk intake

📊 Findings:

• 💉 Calves that received meloxicam (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) were:
• ✅ More responsive and active at birth
• ✅ Showed improved suckle reflex
• ✅ Consumed more milk during the first 8 weeks

However, there was no significant difference in long-term growth or health. The primary benefit was early-life energy and feeding behavior. 📈

💊 What Is Meloxicam?

• 🔹 A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
• 📆 Half-life of ~26 hours—ideal for single-dose newborn treatment
• 💲 Inexpensive and widely available

While meloxicam is not FDA-approved for cattle in the U.S., it can be prescribed extra-label by a veterinarian with a proper withdrawal period. 🩺

📋 When to Use Pain Relief in Calves

Consider meloxicam administration:

• 🛑 After a difficult or assisted calving
• ❄️ If the calf appears weak or chilled
• 🦴 If trauma (e.g. rib fractures) is suspected

Improved vigor helps calves:

• ✅ Stand and nurse faster
• ✅ Reduce chilling time
• ✅ Receive adequate colostrum sooner

📅 Administration Guidelines

• 💉 Dose and route must be prescribed by a veterinarian
• ⏱️ Ideally given within the first hour after birth
• 🧪 Ensure withdrawal times are recorded for food safety

Never administer NSAIDs without a vet’s approval—calves are sensitive, and dosage accuracy is critical. 📏

📲 Ask A Vet for Calving Pain Protocols

Interested in using meloxicam or improving calf recovery strategies? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to get customized pain relief protocols for newborn calves. 📱🐄

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can help you prepare calving kits, train staff, and improve early calf survival. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, a single dose of meloxicam at birth is proving to be a valuable tool for at-risk calves. It helps them stand, nurse, and thrive—critical first steps toward lifelong productivity. 🐄❤️

Ready to upgrade your calving protocol? Visit AskAVet.com today for expert support 🐮💉