What to Do When a Cow Won’t Accept Its Calf

When a cow won’t accept her calf, it can be distressing for both the animals and the farmer. Whether you’re managing a small herd or keeping cattle as a hobby, understanding why rejection happens and knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference to the calf’s survival and wellbeing.

This practical guide walks you through the signs of rejection, immediate intervention strategies, and hand-rearing techniques to help you navigate calf bonding issues with confidence. With the right approach, many rejected calves can thrive and future bonding problems can often be prevented.

Understanding Cow-Calf Bonding

The bond between a cow and her calf typically forms within the first few hours after birth. This critical period involves the cow licking and nuzzling her newborn, which helps dry the calf, stimulates circulation, and establishes recognition through scent and sound. When this bonding process is disrupted or doesn’t occur naturally, the calf may struggle to feed and the cow may reject or ignore her offspring entirely.

Why Rejection Happens

Several factors can interfere with the natural cow-calf bonding process:

First-time mothers often lack maternal experience and may be confused or frightened by the birthing process. Some heifers simply don’t recognise the calf as their own or understand their maternal role immediately.

Stress during or after birth is a major contributor to rejection. Difficult calvings, human intervention, unfamiliar surroundings, or disturbances from other animals can all disrupt the bonding window.

Illness or pain in either the cow or calf can prevent proper bonding. A cow suffering from mastitis, retained placenta, or calving injuries may be too uncomfortable to attend to her calf. Similarly, a weak or ill calf may not be vigorous enough to stimulate maternal instincts.

Twin confusion sometimes occurs when a cow gives birth to twins. She may bond with one calf but reject the other, or become confused about which calf is hers if they’re separated briefly.

Scent-related issues can arise if the calf is handled extensively by humans immediately after birth, or if it becomes covered in foreign substances that mask its natural smell. Cows rely heavily on scent for recognition during those first crucial hours.

Signs a Cow is Rejecting Her Calf

Recognising rejection early allows you to intervene before the calf becomes weak from lack of colostrum and nutrition. Watch for these warning signs:

• The cow actively avoids her calf or walks away when it approaches
• She refuses to let the calf nurse, kicking or pushing it away
• She shows no interest in licking or nuzzling the newborn
• The cow displays aggressive behaviour toward the calf, such as butting or stomping
• The calf appears hungry, weak, or is repeatedly attempting to nurse without success
• The cow’s udder remains full several hours after birth, indicating the calf hasn’t fed

Immediate Actions if Bonding Fails

When you notice a cow won’t accept her calf, swift action is essential. The calf needs colostrum within the first six hours of life for optimal immunity, so timing matters greatly.

Isolate and Calm the Cow

If the cow is agitated or aggressive, your first priority is ensuring the calf’s safety while giving the mother space to settle. Move the calf to a safe pen within sight and smell of the mother if possible. This separation should be temporary – you want them close enough to maintain awareness of each other but far enough that the calf won’t be injured.

Allow the cow to calm down for an hour or two. Sometimes the stress of birthing simply needs time to subside. Ensure she has access to fresh water and quality feed, as thirst and hunger can make rejection worse.

During this period, you’ll need to collect colostrum from the cow if she’ll allow it. This may require a crush or head bail if she’s particularly uncooperative. If you cannot safely milk her, use frozen colostrum from your supplies or contact neighbouring farms or your local vet for emergency colostrum.

Use Scent to Encourage Recognition

Scent manipulation is one of the most effective cow-calf bonding tips used by experienced farmers. The goal is to make the calf smell like something the cow will accept.

Placenta rubbing involves rubbing the cow’s afterbirth over the calf’s body, particularly around the head, back, and hindquarters. Many cows respond instinctively to this scent and will begin licking the calf. This technique works best when attempted within the first few hours after birth.

Milk application can also help. Milk some of the cow’s colostrum or milk and rub it onto the calf’s coat. The familiar smell may trigger maternal behaviours.

Vanilla extract is a traditional trick used by farmers when other methods fail. Apply a small amount of vanilla extract to the cow’s nose and to the calf’s hindquarters. This masks both animals’ natural scents and can sometimes reset the recognition process. After a few supervised nursing sessions, the cow often begins to accept the calf naturally.

Rubbing with the cow’s own scent can also work if you have a cloth or towel that’s been in contact with the cow. Rub it vigorously over the calf to transfer her scent.

Supervised Short Reunions

Once the cow has calmed and the calf has been treated with scent aids, attempt short, supervised reunion sessions. Restrain the cow using a head bail or have an experienced helper hold her steady while you guide the calf to nurse.

Keep these initial sessions brief (10 to 15 minutes) and positive. If the cow remains calm and allows nursing, you can gradually extend the time. Repeat this process three to four times daily, always supervising closely to prevent injury to the calf.

Some cows need several days of this routine before they fully accept their calves. Patience and consistency are key. If the cow remains aggressive after three to four days of attempts, you may need to commit to longer-term hand-rearing.

Hand-Rearing and Feeding Options

If bonding efforts fail or the cow physically cannot care for her calf, you’ll need to take over feeding responsibilities. Hand-rearing a calf requires commitment but is entirely manageable with the right knowledge and equipment.

Bottle Feeding Techniques

Bottle feeding is the most common method for orphaned calf care and rejected calves. Here’s how to establish a successful routine:

Start with colostrum immediately. A newborn calf needs at least two litres of quality colostrum within the first six hours of life, with another two litres in the following 12 hours. Use fresh colostrum from the dam if possible, or frozen colostrum that’s been properly thawed in warm (not boiling) water.

Choose the right equipment. Use a calf feeding bottle with a nipple designed for calves – these are larger and sturdier than lamb or kid nipples. Some farmers prefer using a bucket with a teat feeder attached once the calf is a few days old, as this can be easier for regular feeding.

Position matters. Allow the calf to stand while feeding with its head in a natural, slightly elevated position. Never feed a calf lying down, as this increases the risk of milk entering the lungs.

Establish a routine. For the first week, feed four times daily with approximately two litres per feed. From week two onwards, you can usually reduce to twice-daily feeding, increasing the volume to meet the calf’s growing needs. By one month, most calves are consuming four to six litres daily split between two feeds.

Monitor milk temperature. Feed milk or milk replacer at body temperature (around 38-40°C). Cold milk can cause digestive upset and reduce the calf’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Tube Feeding (When and How)

Tube feeding should only be used in specific circumstances and requires careful technique to avoid injuring the calf. Consider tube feeding when:

• The calf is too weak to suckle from a bottle
• The calf has not received colostrum within the critical first six hours
• You need to deliver a large volume of colostrum quickly to a newborn

If you’ve never tube fed before, ask an experienced farmer or veterinarian to demonstrate the proper technique. The tube must be carefully passed down the oesophagus (not the trachea) to the stomach. Passing a tube into the lungs can be fatal.

The general process involves measuring the tube from the calf’s nose to its last rib, marking that length, then gently passing the lubricated tube through the calf’s mouth to the marked point. You should be able to feel the tube in the oesophagus on the left side of the neck. Never force the tube, and if the calf coughs or struggles to breathe, remove it immediately.

Milk Replacement Options

If the dam’s milk is unavailable, commercial calf milk replacer is your best option. Choose a quality product specifically formulated for calves; never use milk replacer designed for other species.

Look for replacers with at least 20% protein and 15% fat content. Follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions precisely, as incorrect dilution can cause digestive problems. Mix only what you’ll use at each feeding, as bacteria can multiply quickly in prepared milk.

Some farmers successfully use whole cow’s milk from other cows in the herd. This is an excellent option if available, though it’s more expensive than milk replacer. Avoid feeding unpasteurised milk from unknown sources due to disease risk.

Introduce calf starter pellets and quality hay from around one week of age. This helps develop the rumen and allows earlier weaning. Most calves can be successfully weaned from milk by 8-10 weeks if they’re consuming adequate solid feed and maintaining good growth.

Long-Term Care and Monitoring

Hand-reared calves require ongoing attention to ensure they develop properly and remain healthy.

Tracking Weight Gain and Health

Weigh your calf regularly if you have scales available, or use a weight tape designed for cattle. Calves should gain approximately 0.5-1 kg daily during the first few months. If weight gain slows or stops, reassess feeding amounts and check for signs of illness.

Monitor for common health issues including scours (diarrhoea), respiratory problems, and navel infections. Keep detailed records of feeding amounts, weight, and any health concerns. This information is invaluable if you need to consult a veterinarian.

Check the calf’s demeanour daily. A healthy calf should be alert, curious, and active. Lethargy, hunched posture, or loss of appetite are warning signs requiring immediate attention.

Ensure proper shelter is available, particularly during cold or wet weather. Young calves are vulnerable to temperature stress. During hot weather, provide shade and ensure constant access to clean water.

Socialisation with Other Calves

Hand-reared calves benefit greatly from contact with other young cattle. Isolation can lead to behavioural problems and poor social development. If you have other calves, introduce your hand-reared calf once it’s feeding reliably and showing good health, usually within the first week or two.

Calves learn natural behaviours from each other, including grazing, rumination, and social hierarchies. This socialisation is particularly important if the calf will eventually join a larger herd.

Even if the calf remains friendly with humans due to hand-rearing, it should still develop normal cattle behaviours. Avoid over-handling or treating the calf like a pet, as this can create management challenges later.

Preventing Future Bonding Issues

While some cases of rejection are unavoidable, you can take steps to minimise the risk of bonding problems in your herd.

Preparing First-Time Cows

Heifers calving for the first time are at highest risk for rejection or bonding difficulties. Give them extra support by:

• Providing a quiet, familiar calving area away from the main herd
• Minimising disturbances during and immediately after calving
• Allowing adequate time for bonding before intervening (unless the calf’s safety is at risk)
• Keeping first-time mothers with experienced cows in the weeks before calving so they can observe maternal behaviours

Consider bringing heifers into a paddock closer to your home or yards several weeks before their due date. This allows you to monitor them more closely without causing stress through excessive handling.

Managing Twins or Multiple Calves

When a cow produces twins, be especially vigilant during the first few hours. Some cows handle twins brilliantly, while others struggle or favour one calf.

If you notice unequal attention, you may need to intervene to ensure both calves receive adequate colostrum. Sometimes removing the favoured calf briefly (but keeping it nearby) encourages the cow to focus on the rejected twin. Once both calves have nursed successfully, you can usually reunite them permanently.

Be prepared to hand-rear one twin if necessary. Many farmers find it easier to raise one twin on the cow and one on the bottle rather than risking poor nutrition for both calves.

Minimising Stress Around Birth

Create an environment that supports natural calving and bonding:

• Provide clean, dry, sheltered calving areas
• Avoid moving cows in late pregnancy unless absolutely necessary
• Limit human interference during calving unless assistance is genuinely needed
• Keep dogs, unfamiliar people, and excessive noise away from calving areas
• Ensure adequate nutrition throughout pregnancy so cows are in good body condition

Good nutrition deserves special mention. Cows in poor condition at calving are more likely to experience complications, illness, and weak calves – all factors that compromise bonding.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

While many bonding issues can be resolved with patience and the techniques described above, some situations require professional help:

• If the cow shows signs of serious illness, such as high fever, severe lethargy, or complete loss of appetite
• When the calf fails to stand or nurse despite your best efforts
• If the calf has obvious physical abnormalities or appears extremely weak
• When the cow displays extreme aggression that poses a danger to you or others trying to help
• If the calf develops severe scours, respiratory distress, or other serious health problems
• When you’re unable to safely collect colostrum and have no alternative source available

Your veterinarian can also test colostrum quality, assess the calf’s immune status, and provide guidance specific to your situation. Don’t hesitate to call for advice, particularly if you’re new to managing calf bonding issues or this is your first experience with a rejected calf.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a cow won’t accept her calf, quick thinking and practical intervention can save the situation. While not every bonding problem can be resolved, understanding the causes and having a clear action plan dramatically improves your chances of success. Whether the outcome is successful reunification or confident hand-rearing, your knowledge and commitment make all the difference to that calf’s future.