We provide on‑farm neonatal care for livestock, supporting calves, lambs and kids during the critical first hours, days and weeks of life. Early veterinary involvement helps improve survival rates, disease resistance and long‑term productivity.
Our veterinarians work closely with producers during lambing, calving and kidding periods to provide timely assessment, treatment and practical management advice.
Livestock neonatal care refers to veterinary support for newborn animals during the early stages of life, when the risk of illness and mortality is highest. This period includes the first hours after birth through to the first weeks of development.
Appropriate neonatal care focuses on ensuring effective colostrum intake, early disease detection and supportive treatment to promote healthy growth.
The neonatal period is a high‑risk stage of life, and early management has a direct influence on survival, immune function and future performance. Newborn livestock rely on passive immunity from colostrum to protect them against disease.
Prompt identification and treatment of problems during this period can significantly reduce losses and prevent long‑term health complications.
Newborn livestock may be affected by a range of conditions, particularly during periods of adverse weather or difficult births.
Inadequate intake or poor-quality colostrum can result in weak immune protection and increased susceptibility to infection.
Scours may be caused by infectious agents, nutrition or environmental factors and can quickly lead to dehydration and weakness.
Cold stress, premature birth or prolonged/difficult labour can result in hypothermia, poor vigour and reduced suckling.
Bacterial infections may enter through the umbilical cord, leading to joint infections, septicaemia or ill-thrift.
Early recognition of illness is essential to improve outcomes.
Newborns that are slow to stand, unable to nurse or appear weak should be assessed promptly.
Signs such as scours, sunken eyes, lethargy or reduced responsiveness indicate the need for veterinary intervention.
Livestock Veterinary Services provides practical, on‑farm neonatal support tailored to each situation.
Physical examination and early‑life health checks are performed to assess vigour, hydration and overall condition.
Veterinary support is provided to assess colostrum intake and, where necessary, assist with supplementation.
Care may include fluid therapy, medications and supportive treatment for infected or compromised newborns.
Tube feeding and supportive care may be required for weak, orphaned or slow‑to‑feed animals.
Providing neonatal care on‑farm offers important practical and welfare advantages.
Rapid veterinary assessment after birth can be critical in preventing deterioration.
Treating animals in their home environment minimises disturbance during bonding and early development.
While not all losses can be prevented, good management significantly reduces risk.
Appropriate supervision, timely assistance and good observation reduce complications during birth.
Clean, dry birthing environments reduce exposure to infectious organisms.
Adequate maternal nutrition supports colostrum quality and neonatal growth.
Veterinary assistance is important when newborn animals show signs of distress, illness or when outcomes suggest a broader management issue. Early intervention can significantly improve survival rates.
Veterinary support should be sought following prolonged labour, difficult deliveries, malpresentations or assisted births, particularly if the newborn is weak, unresponsive or slow to stand and nurse.
If multiple calves, lambs or kids become unwell, fail to thrive or die over a short period, this may indicate herd‑level disease, environmental or management issues that require veterinary investigation.
Neonatal services are provided by Livestock Veterinary Services, part of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden. Our veterinarians have experience in large‑animal reproduction, neonatal medicine and practical on‑farm care.
As part of a university veterinary teaching hospital, LVS offers evidence‑based advice, access to diagnostics and clear escalation pathways when more intensive care is required.
If you require veterinary support during lambing, calving or kidding, the Camden Veterinary Hospital team can provide on‑farm neonatal assessment and care.
Ensuring timely and adequate colostrum intake is critical for immune protection and survival.
Most healthy newborns should stand and begin nursing within the first few hours after birth.
Scours may be caused by infectious agents, nutrition issues or poor environmental hygiene.
Veterinary advice is recommended for weak, non‑feeding, diarrhoeic or cold newborns, or after difficult births.
Good management and early intervention can reduce losses, but not all neonatal problems are preventable.
