Calf rearing from birth to weaning

Calf rearing needs a consistent approach from the first hours of life through the end of milk feeding. Colostrum management, nutrition, hygiene and housing should be reviewed together rather than treated as the effect of one product. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Colostrum: timing, quality and cleanliness

Providing clean, good-quality colostrum promptly after birth is a major part of calf-health management. Antibody absorption declines with time, so preparation and responsibilities should be planned before calving. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Agree a protocol with your veterinarian and adviser for amount, quality assessment and monitoring transfer of immunity. Tube feeding should be performed only by trained people following an appropriate procedure, not learnt from a short online description.

Consistent feeding and hygiene

Scour prevention requires a system-wide approach involving cow health, colostrum, calf nutrition, cleaning, sanitising and herd prevention. A milk replacer alone cannot guarantee that a calf will not develop diarrhoea. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Group feeding requires attention to organisation and preparation for the feeding system. Newborn calves need individual observation and a planned transition to subsequent feeding arrangements. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Preparing for weaning

Early access to starter feed and water helps prepare calves for weaning, but age alone is not a complete readiness measure. Consider solid-feed intake and how milk is reduced rather than making an abrupt change without assessment. (Teagasc)

Daily questions

• Has the calf consumed its planned feed and is its behaviour normal?
• Is equipment clean and preparation consistent?
• Are growth and actual starter intake being monitored?
• Has any illness been reported to the person responsible?

Contact your veterinarian about diarrhoea or deteriorating health rather than changing treatment in response to advertising.

Explore ColoQuick, calf nutrition and heifer rearing after weaning. Contact AquaBlend about organising the rearing programme.

Educational material, not a substitute for veterinary consultation. Diagnosis and treatment should be agreed with the herd veterinarian.