The rule of thumb around here with large animals is if they’re able to stand treat them and feed them.If they’re down then there’s little hope for recovery.I saw the picture of the little guy,in my opinion he had a good chance to make it with the proper care.
I wonder if the threat of Brucellosis (Bangs) may have been a determining factor in putting the calf down.
I know Bison are carriers of Bangs.
I would think just transporting the calf through cattle country would have been a paperwork nightmare.
Probably not worth it for just one calf.
I remember, back in the 1960’s, having to retest our entire 100 head herd just because one cows test came back “possible” for Bangs.
We weren’t allowed to sell, move or slaughter for home consumption until *every* single one tested negative.