The focus during the rearing stage is to ensure calves have reached 90-100kg when weaned at 10-12 weeks of age. A breakdown of the performance targets during the rearing phase are outlined below.
In order to hit these targets it is important the newly purchased calf is transferred on to the rearing system gradually in order to avoid any digestive upsets. A typical feeding schedule for newly purchase calves is detailed in the table below.
Put a feeding checklist in place
The implementation of a calf feeding checklist is vital as early identification of a health problem and intervention is key to maintaining performance, reducing costs and reducing mortality. It is important that you contact your vet if you are in any doubt about treatment.
Calf feeding checklist
All calves should be checked before feeding to ensure that they are healthy, alert and looking for a feed.Any calf showing signs of illness should be removed from the group and treated accordingly.All milk or milk replacer should be measured out accurately and should not be heated to over 38°C as this damages milk quality and puts calves off feeding.Watch the calves while feeding to ensure that they are all drinking. Refusal of milk is often the first sign of health issues.All feeding and mixing equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after each use for hygiene reasons. Ensure that the calves have access to fresh, clean water at all times.Make sure all calves have clean, dry straw beds and top up as necessary. Wet bedding should be removed as it increases the humidity in the calf shed and increases likelihood of pneumonia problems.Make changes to the milk feeding regime such as weaning gradually to prevent digestive upsets.A small amount of concentrate should be offered to calves and replaced regularly to prevent it going stale, and encourage consumption.Introduce new rations/meals gradually to prevent upsets and ensure the calves have access to a source of roughage (straw). Read more
Calf prices: numbers increasing quickly but little exporter activity so far
Get calves off to a healthy start
The focus during the rearing stage is to ensure calves have reached 90-100kg when weaned at 10-12 weeks of age. A breakdown of the performance targets during the rearing phase are outlined below.
In order to hit these targets it is important the newly purchased calf is transferred on to the rearing system gradually in order to avoid any digestive upsets. A typical feeding schedule for newly purchase calves is detailed in the table below.
Put a feeding checklist in place
The implementation of a calf feeding checklist is vital as early identification of a health problem and intervention is key to maintaining performance, reducing costs and reducing mortality. It is important that you contact your vet if you are in any doubt about treatment.
Calf feeding checklist
All calves should be checked before feeding to ensure that they are healthy, alert and looking for a feed.Any calf showing signs of illness should be removed from the group and treated accordingly.All milk or milk replacer should be measured out accurately and should not be heated to over 38°C as this damages milk quality and puts calves off feeding.Watch the calves while feeding to ensure that they are all drinking. Refusal of milk is often the first sign of health issues.All feeding and mixing equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after each use for hygiene reasons. Ensure that the calves have access to fresh, clean water at all times.Make sure all calves have clean, dry straw beds and top up as necessary. Wet bedding should be removed as it increases the humidity in the calf shed and increases likelihood of pneumonia problems.Make changes to the milk feeding regime such as weaning gradually to prevent digestive upsets.A small amount of concentrate should be offered to calves and replaced regularly to prevent it going stale, and encourage consumption.Introduce new rations/meals gradually to prevent upsets and ensure the calves have access to a source of roughage (straw). Read more
Calf prices: numbers increasing quickly but little exporter activity so far
Get calves off to a healthy start
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