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Calf Rearing

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  1.  At calving and within the early hours of life, ensure good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.

  2. Ensure navels are dressed properly using a strong iodine solution or other veterinary recommended treatment.This should be done at birth or as soon after as possible.

  3. Ensure calves receive colostrum within the first 3-6 hours of life. A typical Holstein Friesian calf requires 3.5 to 4 litres. The old rule of 3 pints in 3 hours, 6 pints in 6 hours is as good today as it has always been. There are no shortcuts or magic potions.

  4. Provide calves with a well-bedded laying area on a free draining surface, in a draught free but well ventilated building.

  5. When commencing feeding of milk replacers, ensure correct mixing and feeding temperatures, using the mixing concentrations on the bag. Start by feeding small amounts and gradually increase the volume fed. Little and often is more natural. 

  6. Provide calves with fresh water and concentrate on a daily basis, feeding to appetite to encourage high intakes at weaning. Clean strawshould be readily available to provide roughage.

  7. Check calves regularly and act on any signs of ill health by observing the calf more closely and checking temperature. If required, notify vet or treat according to recommendations previously agreed with veterinary surgeon.

  8.  Wean only healthy calves. As a guide, they should be observed to be eating a minimum of 1 kg of concentrate per day over a 3-4 day period prior to commencing weaning. Wean gradually at around 8 weeks of age, ensuring calves continue to consume concentrates.

  9. Continue to feed ad-lib concentrates, roughage and water up to approximately 12 weeks of age.

  10. Plan rearing diet with your feed specialist to identify the best system and feeding regime. For further information see FEED PLANS. 

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