Calf Rearing Version 2.0

7/30/2019 Calf Rearing Version 2.0

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Calf rearing

by Aoife, Lucy, Sean and Stephen


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COLOSTRUM IS YELLOW

It is a nutritious milk given to the calf for the

first few days of life It is produced by the cow for three days

Even dairy calves drink their mothers

colostrum, because it is not accepted by irishcreameries.


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Colostrum Feeding

It is rich in energy, having high oil content.

Rich in vitamins. Vit. A prevents disease.

Has a laxative effect Feed 810% of birth mass

Do not overfeed

Should be at 37 degrees Celsius


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- Feeding calves colostrum benefits the producer of

beef or dairy cattle by saving calf lives.

- Colostrum can be particularly valuable when

given to calves that are orphaned or weak at birth

or that do not have a strong nursing reflex.

- Colostrum provides essential antibodies and is an

excellent non-soluble nutritional resource


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Two types of calf rearing systems:

-suckler calves

-bucket reared calves


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Suckler calves

A new born calf will typically weigh between 40-

50 kgs It is vital for new born calves to drink at least

2litres of colostrum within the first 6 hours of life

The calf stays with the cow for 8-10 monthsbefore it is weaned and transferred for fattening

During this time both cow and calf graze together

outside


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There are two types suckler systems:

- Singular suckler system

- Multi-suckler systemSingle suckler system: Each calf is suckled by its

mother until it is weaned at nine months old.

Farmer will separate the cow and calf for a whileso that it does not drink all of the milk. Takes

longer to rear.


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Multi-suckler system: Several calves are

fostered onto one calf in addition to her own.

These calves mothers can then be used wholly

for milk production.


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In Winter are moved into large open barns

Are fed on conserved fodder, typically grass

silage


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How a Bucket Fed Calf is

reared

Colostrum

Calves after birth usually stay with mother forfirst few days of life.

This is so that the calf can get colostrum which

is essential for the young calf. If it is taken away from mother feed

replacement colostrum.


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Milk

Calves need milk for the first few months of

their life.

Obtain cows milk, or calf replacement and

feed with the bottle.

Access to hay and concentrates from 1 week.

Should be fed twice daily with milk replacer ina bottle.


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Hay + Conc. Food

Access to hay + Concentrates from 1 week

Feed calf meals or pellets after 5 weeks.

By one month calves should be eating grass.

Introduce feed changes slowly


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Clean, warm, dry and draught free. They can be held in pens, cubicles or hutches. Always provide adequate ventilation forcalves Calves aged less than 3 months should be

isolated from older animals.


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Weaning

Wean the calf from milk onto water

Target weaning age is eight weeks

Calves must weigh at least 65 Kg prior toweaning.

Calves should be consuming a good hearty

amount of solid food or calf pellets

Calf starter will help with the transition.


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After weaning

After the calf has been weaned start to

introduce it to groups of other calves.

Provide hay, water and grass as calf grows.


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The End


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Question Time

With Stephen


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Question 1

Why is a calf bucket fed and not let be with the

mother?


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Question 2

When do you wean a bucket fed calf?


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Question 3

Why are hay and concentrates

important for calves?


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Question 4

How many days the cow produce colostrum?


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Question 5

How much colostrum do you feed the calf?


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Question 6

What Colour is

colostrum?


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Question 7

What does vitamin A do?


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Question 8

Where can you house calves?


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Question 9

Why would you not introduce a

calf to the heard straight away?


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Question 10

How long does the calf stay with the cow

before it is weaned?

Calf Rearing Version 2.0

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