When calves arrive on farm it is important to get them settled into their new environment as quickly as possible. A high level of management and close supervision during the first seven days is critical.
When calves arrive on farm it is important to get them settled into their new environment as quickly as possible.
A high level of management and close supervision during the first seven days is critical.
Regardless of the feeding method implemented on farm, there are several likely factors that are within the calf rearer¹s control to ensure calf health and growth rates are maintained.
Key points for newly purchased calves:
Unload immediately on arrivalHouse in a separate air space to older stockGroup according to age and sizePen in groups of no more than eightDo not mix with older home-reared calvesSeparate slow and timid drinkers Pens should:
Be cleaned out and disinfected between groupsBe rested for seven to 10 days between each groupBe bedded down in a deep bed of strawBe bedded daily during the rearing stageBe free from draughtsNot be over-stocked ¬ 1.1m2/calf up to eight weeks of ageHave adequate feeding space ¬ 350mm per calfHave fresh water ¬ for every kilogramme of concentrate consumed a calf will drink 5 litres of waterThis article was first published in the Dairy Calf to Beef booklet published by the Irish Farmers Journal with ABP Ireland, Kepak Group, OSI Food Solutions, and McKey Food Services in France.
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