Calf management is a critical aspect of successful dairy farming. The wellbeing and development of calves determine their future productivity, profitability, and welfare. It is, therefore, essential to provide proper care and management to ensure the calves' growth and development. This article provides comprehensive guidance on the care and management of calves from birth to weaning.
1.Birth and Colostrum Management
The first step in calf management is ensuring a safe and clean calving environment. Calves should be born in a clean and dry area with adequate bedding to prevent infections. Once the calf is born, the umbilical cord should be disinfected using iodine or chlorhexidine to prevent infection. The calf should also be dried off to prevent hypothermia.
Colostrum is essential for the calf's growth and immunity. It contains antibodies that protect the calf against infections and diseases. It is, therefore, important to ensure that calves receive high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of life. The colostrum should contain at least 50g/L of immunoglobulin (IgG). This can be measured using a Brix refractometer or a colostrometer.
The calf should receive 10% of its body weight in colostrum within the first six hours of life. This can be achieved by feeding four liters of colostrum to a 40kg calf. The colostrum should be fed using a nipple bucket or a bottle. Calves should not be fed colostrum from cows that have been vaccinated against Johne's disease or have mastitis.
2.Feeding and Nutrition
Calves should be fed milk or milk replacer twice a day for the first eight weeks of life. The milk should be warm, at 37°C, and fed using a nipple bucket or a bottle. The nipple should be cleaned and disinfected before each feeding to prevent infections.
The amount of milk fed to the calf should be increased gradually, starting from two liters per day and increasing by 0.5 liters every two days until the calf is consuming six liters per day. After six liters, the amount of milk fed can be maintained until weaning.
It is important to ensure that the milk or milk replacer contains at least 20% crude protein and 15% fat. This can be achieved by selecting high-quality milk replacer or milk. The milk or milk replacer should also be mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the correct concentration.
Water should also be provided to the calf from day three of life. The water should be clean and fresh, and the container should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Calves should also have access to fresh, clean, and dry bedding to prevent infections.
3.Health and Disease Management
Calves are susceptible to a wide range of diseases and infections, which can affect their growth and development. It is, therefore, important to implement a health and disease management program to prevent and treat diseases.
The first step in disease management is ensuring a clean and dry environment. The calf's bedding should be cleaned and replaced regularly, and the calving area should be disinfected between calving.
Calves should also be vaccinated against common diseases, such as pneumonia and diarrhea. The vaccination program should be based on the farm's disease prevalence and risk factors. The vaccines should be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Regular health checks should also be carried out on the calves. The calves' temperature, pulse, and respiration should be monitored regularly, and any signs of illness should be treated immediately. Sick calves should be isolated from healthy calves to prevent the spread of diseases.
4.Housing
The housing of calves is an essential aspect of calf care and management. Calves should be housed in a clean, dry, and comfortable environment. A calf pen or hutch should be big enough to allow the calf to move around freely. The pen should be well-ventilated and free from drafts. The floor of the pen should be dry and clean, with some form of bedding to provide cushioning and absorb moisture.
5.Health care:
Health care is critical for the well-being of calves. Calves are susceptible to a range of diseases and health problems, and it is important to have a proactive health management plan in place to prevent and treat these problems.
6.Vaccination:
Vaccination is an important part of calf health care. Calves should be vaccinated against common diseases
7.Calf weaning
It is an essential stage in the life of a young calf, and proper care and management are crucial to ensure their health and growth. Gradual weaning, introducing solid foods gradually, and monitoring the calf's health closely can help ensure a smooth transition to solid food. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your calves have the best start in life and grow into healthy and productive animals. Know more about weaning of animal here
0 Comments