Calf Rearing Advice

The goal of a calf-feeding programme is to get stock to their weaning weights as rapidly as possible, while also supporting rapid development of the rumen.

The first step is to ensure calves obtain enough good-quality colostrum in the first 12 hours of their life. This is the period when their gut is best able to absorb immunoglobulins, the component of colostrum that will help to boost their resistance to disease. A calf with a strong immune system will have a lower risk of scouring, meaning better growth for the calf.

Regular pick-ups, preferable three times a day, are time consuming but worthwhile, as you can’t depend on the cow supplying her calf with enough colostrum. Calves need to consume an adequate amount of colostrum,about 10% of their body weight, and it needs to be good quality (from the first milking).

Feed colostrum for the first four days, then move onto milk or calf milk replacer.