Tips for Using an Esophageal Feeder
There are times you must get fluid into a calf — when a newborn needs colostrum or a sick calf needs fluid and medications orally, for example. An easy way to do this is with a feeder probe — a nonflexible plastic or stainless steel tube (about ½ inch in diameter) with a larger-diameter bulb on the end that goes down the calf's throat. Some setups have a valve that keeps the fluid in the container from entering the tube until you release it. Others have a bag that hangs down until you are ready to administer the fluid. You raise it when you want fluid to go into the tube.
The rounded bulb on the end of the probe protects the mouth and throat from being scraped or punctured and, acting as a plug, helps prevent backflow of fluids up the esophagus. It also helps the tube bypass the larynx and small opening into the windpipe when inserting the tube into the throat. The windpipe is slightly below and alongside the esophagus.
When administering colostrum or fluid, make sure it is at body temperature. If the calf is lying down, lift its head to insert the tube. If it struggles, lift its front end so it is sitting on its haunches so you can restrain the calf more easily while you lift its head to insert the tube. If it is standing, back the calf into a corner, step over its back so you can hold its head and neck between your legs, pull its head up with one hand positioned under the jaw, and insert the tube with your other hand.
Gently put the tube into the side of the calf's mouth. This is easier (and easier on the calf) than trying to force it in the front. Then aim it straight and slide it over the tongue to the back of the mouth and into the throat. The calf should swallow as you move it back and forth and apply gentle pressure.
Make sure the tube is not forced into the windpipe; the calf must be given a chance to swallow as it's pushed down. Stop pushing for an instant and place your fingers on the outside of the neck (front of the throat), to determine where the tube is going. You can feel or see the bulb end slip down the throat and into the esophagus.
If you can see or feel the bulb (above the windpipe), you know it's in the proper place and it's safe to continue pushing the tube farther down. If you can't see or feel it, the calf is coughing, or puffs of air come out your end, it's in the windpipe; take it out and start over. Be sure it's in the esophagus and fully inserted before you tip up the feeder container or release fluid into the tube. Hold the calf so it can't struggle — or the tube may come partway out and allow fluid to get into the windpipe.
Editor's Note: It is advisable when performing this technique for the first time to seek the supervision of a trained veterinarian if circumstances will allow.
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