How a ‘Big Squeeze’ Technique Can Assist Dummy Calves in Suckling

Neonatal maladjustment syndrome in calves, commonly referred to as “dummy calf” syndrome, presents significant management challenges for dairy farmers, often necessitating additional labor to tube-feed affected youngstock.

Calves suffering from this syndrome typically show slow movement and an unwillingness to suckle, yet they may otherwise appear healthy.

The inability to suckle can lead to stunted growth rates, and in severe cases, may result in mortality.

However, a groundbreaking approach involving the application of tension to the thorax—originally developed for horses—may serve as an effective solution, according to recent research conducted in Portugal.

This technique, known as the Madigan squeeze, was pioneered by Dr. John Madigan, a professor in the U.S.

Additional insights can be found in: Tips for Encouraging Reluctant Calves to Suckle

The Madigan squeeze comprises three main steps:

1. Soft rope is used to create three concentric loops around the calf’s thorax.
2. The calf is laid down, and gentle tension is applied to the rope, held for 20 minutes, inducing a sleep-like state.
3. After releasing the tension, the calf is able to rise and suckle normally.

Following positive results in foals, Professor George Stilwell from the University of Lisbon investigated the effectiveness of this technique on calves, publishing findings from a 2019 study.

He shared his results at the 14th Expert Forum on Farm Animal Well-Being, held in Porto this summer.

In his study, he applied the method to two calves born via caesarean section—one treated six hours after delivery and the other after 20 hours.

In both instances, once the tension was released, the calves were able to stand, walk to their dam, and begin suckling.

Understanding the Science Behind the Technique

Professor George explained that, during a typical birth, the act of the calf passing through the birth canal triggers a hormonal response that includes the release of norepinephrine. This response is crucial for the calf’s transition from its intrauterine environment to an active, alert state after birth.

In scenarios where this process is disrupted—such as in caesarean sections or abnormally swift births—the hormonal stimulation may not occur, giving rise to “dummy” calves.

George theorizes that replicating this “squeeze and release” effect outside of the womb can initiate the necessary hormonal response.

Positive Outcomes in the UK

In the UK, several veterinarians, including Paul Doran of Friars Moor Livestock Health, have successfully implemented this technique.

He has observed immediate positive results in cases where no other explanations accounted for the calf’s condition.

“From my perspective, my experience is quite anecdotal, but I’ve implemented this on dummy calves that lacked a strong suck reflex while otherwise appearing healthy,” he noted.

“These instances often involve calves that slipped out too quickly, preventing the typical hormonal stimulus from occurring.”

Paul has reported excellent outcomes, even when the procedure is conducted up to a week post-birth, which contrasts with literature recommendations of performing it within the first 48 hours.

No adverse long-term effects on calf performance have been observed, he added.

Paul believes that this technique can be executed by either a veterinarian or a farmer as long as they understand the correct procedure and consider any contraindications related to birthing, such as rib fractures.

“It’s not a surgical procedure, so as long as the farmer has learned the correct technique and ensures the calf’s safety, it can be done without issue,” he explained.

“In fact, a colleague of mine has even guided a farmer through the process over the phone.”