Technique for Saving More Newborn Calves – Vet Guide 2025 🐄💪

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. One of the greatest joys—and challenges—on the ranch is ensuring newborn calves thrive. Some arrive depressed or lethargic and struggle to breathe or nurse. The 2025 adaptation of the Madigan squeeze technique offers a powerful, non-invasive method to stimulate these calves. This guide covers step-by-step instructions, physiology, safety tips, and how Ask A Vet supports training and monitoring.

1. Why Some Calves Arrive Depressed 🌾

• Not all calves receive enough birth canal compression during delivery—critical triggers for respiratory and neurological stimulation.
• Depressed calves may struggle to breathe, lack muscle tone, and fail to nurse.
• Left untreated, these calves risk pneumonia, dehydration, and decreased survival.

2. Introducing the Madigan Calf Squeeze Method

Originating from equine neonatal care, the Madigan squeeze mimics birth compressions to trigger calming hormone release and wakefulness. Dr. Cassie Faull adapted it for calves in 2021 with strong success—without side effects.

3. Step‑by‑Step Calf Squeeze Protocol 📋

1. Lay the calf gently on its right side or chest-up position.
2. Take a long soft cotton rope and loop it around the thorax **three times**, just behind the front legs.
3. Adjust snugly—enough to compress the ribs slightly, not constrict breathing or circulation.
4. Maintain the pressure **continuously for 20 minutes**, staying calm and reassuring.
5. After 20 minutes, slowly release the rope and allow the calf to stand.
6. Let the calf self-adjust—breathing and nursing reflexes should become more active.

4. Physiological Response Explained 🧠

• Compression stimulates neuroendocrine pathways, suppressing inhibitory hormones and triggering cortisol surge—the ‘birth awakening’ effect.
• Calves move from lethargy to alertness, improving breathing and suckling reflexes.
• The method is gentle, safe—no negative effects have been reported over years of use.

5. When to Use Squeeze vs Other Resuscitation

• Ideal for: Depressed but breathing calves that are lethargic—struggling to rise or nurse.
• Not for: Non-breathing calves—they require immediate stimulation, intubation, and veterinary resuscitation.
• Not sufficient for: Severe dehydration, hypothermia, or aspiration—treat accordingly after squeeze.

6. Ask A Vet Squeeze Technique Coaching 📱

• 🎥 Live video coaching during first few uses.
• 📋 Troubleshooting fit, pressure, and timing in real conditions.
• 📊 Follow-up to ensure calves begin breathing, try to stand, and nurse after squeezing.
• 🏥 Guidance on next steps in case of incomplete response.

7. Integrating Squeeze into Calving Protocol

• ✔ Watch calves for breathing and movement in initial 2 minutes post-birth.
• Squeeze if lethargic but still breathing.
• After release, dry calf if cold; provide colostrum within 1 hr.
• Monitor for nursing, temperature, attitude over next 2 hrs.
• If no improvement, warm the calf and consult Ask A Vet or veterinarian.

8. Safety & Best Practices

• ✅ Use **soft**, clean rope to avoid rib injury or abrasions.
• ⏱ Use a timer—strict 20-minute squeeze period.
• 🩺 Monitor breathing—therapy should calm, not suppress respiration.
• 🚸 Supervise full time—never leave calf unattended during squeeze.

9. 2025 Key Take‑Home Messages

• Madigan squeeze supports calves who miss compression during birth.
• It’s non-invasive, safe—and improves alertness & nursing.
• Strict time and pressure control ensures effectiveness.
• Ask A Vet supports training and real-time guidance.

Conclusion

The Madigan calf squeeze is a simple yet powerful tool to improve outcomes for newborn calves struggling at birth. By mimicking natural compressions, it awakens reflexes, supporting respiration and readiness to nurse. Combine this method with standard warming, feeding, and Ask A Vet coaching—and you stand a better chance of raising strong, healthy calves into 2025 and beyond. 🐾❤️