Calf Rearing – An Investment In Your Future
Calf rearing is a very important job on the dairy farm. Calves are the future of the dairy herd, representing the best genetics on the farm. Inadequate attention during the first few weeks of life results in calves that:
- Will not meet liveweight targets and so delay age at first calving
- Are more prone to diseaseCost more to rear
Attention to detail is the critical component of any successful calf rearing system, including:
- Preparation of the cow for calving
- Monitoring the birth and knowing when to help, or call for veterinary assistance
- Providing suitable facilities for calf rearing
- A proper feeding regime
- A disease prevention programme
The first step is to ensure the dry cow receives adequate vitamin, mineral and trace element supplementation throughout the dry period to maintain the status of both the cow and developing calf.
Particular attention should be paid to the calcium, phosphorus, selenium, iodine and vitamin E status of dry cows. This will depend on the status of your farm. Check to make sure you are aware of any deficiencies.
The newborn calf has no active immunity and is highly vulnerable to infection. Protection is achieved by ensuring the calf consumes about 10% of its body weight of colostrum within the first six hours after birth.
Colostrum is produced by the cow before and shortly after the birth of the calf and is rich in vitamins A, D3 and E, energy and protein. It also contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) that will provide the calf with immunity from infection.
Early feeding of colostrum is essential as the calf is unable to absorb antibodies from the intestine after 24 – 36 hours. Keep a supply of frozen colostrum that can be used if none is available at the time to feed to newborn calves.
The number of pregnancies that the dam has had affects colostrum quality. Older cows have been exposed to more infections than first calved heifers and so have higher concentrations of antibodies in their colostrum.
The quality of colostrum is reduced by the presence of dirt or other contaminants. Ensure the cow’s udder and teats are clean before the first feeding.
Establish a routine with calves, with feeds given at regular times each day. Aim to feed colostrum for 3 – 4 days after which milk replacer or whole milk is used. Whether feeding milk once or twice daily it is important that milk temperature does not vary from feed to feed.
The optimum temperature is 36 – 42º C (warm) or 15 – 20º C (cool).
When using a milk replacer ensure you follow the manufactures’ mixing and feeding instructions. At the wrong water temperature the replacer may not mix properly, which can affect the willingness of the calf to drink the milk, and possibly lead to bloat.
Other problems associated with feeding milk replacer at the wrong temperature include fat breakdown and reduced protein quality.
Fresh, dry concentrate feed should be available to appetite from day one. In addition, calves should have access to clean, fresh water and clean, dry forage should always be available to help rumen development. Age should not be the sole criteria for weaning calves. They must be healthy, and eating at least 1 kg concentrates each day for three days before weaning.
Make sure you have a good calf-rearing programme in place. This will lay the foundation for well-grown heifers resulting in greater performance in terms of higher feed intake, better milk yields, improved fertility and increased longevity.
Tim Harrington
Ruminant Technical Manager