It is recommended that calves are tested for BVD on arrival. Persistently Infected (PI) calves can appear perfectly healthy and show no signs of the disease. However these calves are constantly shedding the virus and lowering the immunity status of the rest of the herd.
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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.
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Key points for newly purchased calves:
Unload immediately on arrival
House in a separate air space to older stock
Group according to age and size
Pen in groups of no more than eight
Do not mix with older home-reared calves
Separate slow and timid drinkers
Pens should:
Be cleaned out and disinfected between groups
Be rested for seven to 10 days between each group
Be bedded down in a deep bed of straw
Be bedded daily during the rearing stage
Be free from draughts
Not be over-stocked ¬ 1.1m2/calf up to eight weeks of age
Have adequate feeding space ¬ 350mm per calf
Have fresh water ¬ for every kilogramme of concentrate consumed a calf will drink 5 litres of water
This 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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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 arrival
House in a separate air space to older stock
Group according to age and size
Pen in groups of no more than eight
Do not mix with older home-reared calves
Separate slow and timid drinkers
Pens should:
Be cleaned out and disinfected between groups
Be rested for seven to 10 days between each group
Be bedded down in a deep bed of straw
Be bedded daily during the rearing stage
Be free from draughts
Not be over-stocked ¬ 1.1m2/calf up to eight weeks of age
Have adequate feeding space ¬ 350mm per calf
Have fresh water ¬ for every kilogramme of concentrate consumed a calf will drink 5 litres of water
This 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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