FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Bovine
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Last updated 24th June 2005 by Bree
Health Care for Bovines
Maintenance
Bovines are relatively easy to take care of - sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Regular brushing will help keep a bovine's skin and hair healthy. Proper hoof care is also important; a Beastcrafter can examine a bovine's hooves to determine if they need trimming. Hoof trimming should always be done by a Beastcrafter to avoid injury to the bovine and owner unless the owner or individual appointed has been adequately trained. During daily contact with bovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include listlessness, pale coloring, limping, loss of appetite, coughing, or abnormal temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.
Calf Care
Calves should be kept on the mother's milk for 5-6 months. Always watch a calf for scouring (diarrhea). If this occurs, decrease (but do not eliminate) the amount of milk. At three sevendays of age, calves should begin eating crushed grain and hay. If the calf is not interested in the grain, blend some into the milk to get him or her accustomed to the taste.
Common health problems
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or lush pastures. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible and slowly adjust bovines to new pasture by bringing them some of the pasture for a few days. Then, turn them out for only a few candlemarks at a time. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, groaning, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Foot Rot - Foot rot is an infection of the hoof. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. The first symptom of foot rot is usually lameness. Check the hoof for signs of swelling or pus, and consult a Beastcrafter for treatment. The risk of foot rot is greatly minimized by proper hoof care. Muddy areas in pasture and rough walk areas can contribute to hoof damage and should, therefore, be avoided.
Lung Problems - Coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite are all possible symptoms of a possible lung problems. Consult a Beastcrafter if any of these symptoms are noticed.
Eye Problems - Check bovines daily for signs of eye problems. Symptoms include discolored or cloudy eyes, unusual discharges, and swelling. Contact a Beastcrafter immediately if signs of an eye infection are found.
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Bovines are relatively easy to take care of - sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Regular brushing will help keep a bovine's skin and hair healthy. Proper hoof care is also important; a Beastcrafter can examine a bovine's hooves to determine if they need trimming. Hoof trimming should always be done by a Beastcrafter to avoid injury to the bovine and owner unless the owner or individual appointed has been adequately trained. During daily contact with bovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include listlessness, pale coloring, limping, loss of appetite, coughing, or abnormal temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.
Calf Care
Calves should be kept on the mother's milk for 5-6 months. Always watch a calf for scouring (diarrhea). If this occurs, decrease (but do not eliminate) the amount of milk. At three sevendays of age, calves should begin eating crushed grain and hay. If the calf is not interested in the grain, blend some into the milk to get him or her accustomed to the taste.
Common health problems
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or lush pastures. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible and slowly adjust bovines to new pasture by bringing them some of the pasture for a few days. Then, turn them out for only a few candlemarks at a time. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, groaning, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Foot Rot - Foot rot is an infection of the hoof. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. The first symptom of foot rot is usually lameness. Check the hoof for signs of swelling or pus, and consult a Beastcrafter for treatment. The risk of foot rot is greatly minimized by proper hoof care. Muddy areas in pasture and rough walk areas can contribute to hoof damage and should, therefore, be avoided.
Lung Problems - Coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite are all possible symptoms of a possible lung problems. Consult a Beastcrafter if any of these symptoms are noticed.
Eye Problems - Check bovines daily for signs of eye problems. Symptoms include discolored or cloudy eyes, unusual discharges, and swelling. Contact a Beastcrafter immediately if signs of an eye infection are found.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet