Caring for newborn calves central to their health
To set a dairy cow up for a long, productive life you must give her the best possible start. Extra effort now will pay dividends throughout her milking life.
Calves that are cared for well have a reduced risk of disease and cost less to rear, grow faster and go on to be stronger well-grown replacements that will continue to develop into valuable, productive adults or that will be fit and strong enough to be transported at four days as bobby calve. Heifers that reach target weights make successful milking cows and growing them well starts from the day they are born.
Some calf rearing good practices
All calves, including bobbies, must receive adequate fresh colostrum within the first 24 hours of life and should be fed colostrum, or a colostrum substitute, for at least the first four days of life.
Always handle calves gently and with care. Do not allow anyone to throw, hit or drag a calf at any time. Electric prodders must not be used on calves.
Calves that are not with their mothers must be provided with shelter so that they are warm and dry.
Calf pens must be fit for purpose and well maintained. Bedding areas must be comfortable, clean and dry, with adequate ventilation but draft free at the calf level. Exposed concrete, bare earth and mud are not acceptable.
Calves should be fed at the same times each day to minimise stress.
Always ensure your calves have access to plenty of fresh water.
Feed calves adequate quantities of good quality feed to rapidly achieve weaning weight with a well-developed rumen.
Colostrum
The calf should drink at least 2 litres of fresh colostrum during the first six hours of life to get protective antibodies. To achieve this, pick up calves twice a day and give them gold colostrum.
Gold colostrum is valuable even if it has blood or with clotty mastitis milk. It is best fed fresh but may be frozen for up to six months. Thaw/heat in warm water; do not microwave.
Store colostrum in multiple drums (to reduce risk of loss), in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Stir twice a day.
Ensure good routine hygiene and health practices
Scrub all feeding equipment well with hot water and detergent.
Remove sick calves promptly to a designated sick pen.
Frequently clean and disinfect pens where sick calves are treated.
Disinfect hard surfaces. Ensure bedding is regularly refreshed.
Control the spread of disease by minimising movement between pens. Calves of the same age should stay in the
same pen. However, small or unthrifty calves may be better off being placed with a healthy younger group.
Vaccinate, treat for parasites and provide access to shelter.