Key to Dairy Calf Management

Key to Dairy Calf Management

Dairy calf management is a critical phase in the overall lifecycle of a dairy operation. The care and attention given to calves during their early days not only influence their immediate health and well-being but also lay the foundation for their future productivity as dairy cows. This article explores key aspects of successful dairy calf management, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, health, and environmental considerations.

The replacement heifers and bulls are crucial for the profitability of dairy farms. Therefore, the success of dairy enterprises depends to a great extent on the proper management and care of the calves.

Well-managed calf rearing should aim for:

1. Good animal performance with minimal losses from disease and death. 2. Optimum growth rate and feed efficiency. 3. Optimal cost inputs such as feed (milk, concentrates and roughage), animal health (veterinary fees and medicines) and other operating costs (milk feeding equipment, transport, bedding material, etc.) to achieve well-reared calves. 4. Minimum labour requirements. 5. Maximum utilisation of existing facilities such as sheds for rearing and pastures for grazing. To accomplish these goals, there is need to review the feeding and management practices for dairy calves in light of the new research that illustrates their importance on calf health and future productivity.

Management concept

1: Underfeeding or over feeding the dam does not change the Calf’s birth weight.

Reason By decreasing the nutrition of the dam, the size of the calf is not changed. Basically, the size of the calf is genetically predetermined. Studies have shown that energy or protein to the dam can decrease the ability of the calf to regulate its body temperature after birth. Thus, underfeeding the dam during the last two months of gestation can increase mortality of the calf within the first two weeks of life. Also, dams with body condition scores at 4 or greater have a higher incidence of dystocia. These calves also have higher mortality rates than those born without calving difficulty. Mineral nutrition of the dam also affects the quality of colostrum available to the calf after calving. Research shows that it is critical to meet the requirements of dry cows for healthy, productive calves.

Management concept 2: Hand feed calves 2-3 litres of colostrum within 1-2 hours of birth.

Reason: The newborn calf should be fed colostrum during the first few days after birth it reduces health problems and ensures better growth. Calves are born without antibodies against diseases and need to absorb the immunoglobulins found in colostrum to protect against disease. Colostral immunoglobulins (IgG) are absorbed most efficiently within the first 4- 6 hours of life. At 12 hrs of age, absorption of antibodies is approximately one-third of the rate at birth and is essentially zero by 24 hours of age. Several studies have shown that dairy calves that suckle their dam do not receive adequate amounts of colostrum and thus do not receive adequate protection against disease. Calves should receive 2-3 litres of colostrum at the initial feeding after their birth. More recent studies have shown that colostrum supplies additional immune and nutritive factors besides immunoglobulins. Feeding adequate amounts of colostrum also can improve rumen growth and health and absorption of nutrients from the small intestine. The calf may be allowed to suckle the mother’s udder or may be pail or bottle fed within one hour of birth.

The calf is needed to be trained for pail feeding as follows: At the beginning offer a finger to the calf for suckling and then slowly dip the finger in the milk pail. Subsequently the finger has to be lowered and gradually taken out of the pail till the calf begins to drink directly from the pail.

Management concept 3: A calf’s first meal should be colostrum not manure.

Reason: Both the cow and her calf need to be managed to insure the calf’s first meal is clean colostrum not manure-laced. Contaminated colostrum can increase the incidence of diseases which cause scours and might decrease the ability of the calf to absorb immunoglobulins from colostrum. Remove the calf from the cow immediately after the calf has been cleaned to avoid the calf getting “a manure meal” from the calving environment, dirty teats or dirty legs, etc. of the dam. Milk the cow in clean equipment and wash the cow. To quickly cool colostrum, place clean pop/soft drink bottles with frozen water in the milk bucket. .

Management concept 4: Calves need warm, draft-free housing.

Reason: However, this can require a large investment both financially and in terms of labour. There is long-term recognition of the benefit to dairy calf health of outdoor housing in hutches, especially for the prevention of diarrhoea and respiratory disease. Respiratory disorders frequently occur in non-weaned calves and are regularly associated with housing system. Factors including the number of animals per group, relative animal density, housing facilities and ventilation conditions significantly contribute to transmission in grouped calves. Calves in the first week of life spend 80% of the day lying down. The time spent lying down only deceases to 75% in week 2 of life. Thus, the housing environment where calves lay down is critical to their survival. New-born calves have very little body fat and consequently their comfort zone is between 50 ° F and 78 F. By a month of age, a calf’s comfort zone widens and is between 32 F and 73 °F. Thus, during cooler temperatures calves need additional milk for energy and need to be bedded with straw. Straw allows the calf to “nest” into the straw and stay warm.

Management concept 5: By three days of age, calves should be fed a small amount of calf starter and free-choice water in addition to their appropriate amount of milk or milk replacer.

Reason for providing calf starter: Calves only eat small amount of starter the first couple weeks of life, but this small amount is important in rumen development. Studies have shown that more rumen development occurs when starters are textured versus pelleted or ground. Calves should be weaned when they are eating 4-5 lbs of starter for 3 days in a row.

Reason for providing free-choice, clean water: Providing clean water year round is important for rumen development. Calves provided with water gain 33% more and have less scours. Water needs to be provided separately from milk. Reason for not feeding hay until the calf is at least 2 months of age: Feeding hay to calves before they are consuming 5 lbs of calf starter decreases rumen development. Digestion of starter in the calf’s rumen helps develop the rumen papillae that absorb the VFA’s that supply energy to the calf. Calves have only a limited ability to digest forages.

Management concept 6: Growth performance

Reason: The potential for attaining optimum body weight is an important factor that affects the economy and success of a dairy farm. Growth parameters at an early age can be used as one of the important selection criteria. The ideal birth weight of a calf may range between 15 to 35 kg depending on the breed and sex. · The body weight of calves should be recorded at weekly intervals.

Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Calf Development

1. Colostrum Management:

• Importance: Colostrum is the first milk produced by the dam after calving, rich in essential antibodies and nutrients crucial for the calf’s immune system and overall health.
• Key Practices: Timely colostrum intake, typically within the first few hours of life, ensures maximum absorption of antibodies.

2. Milk Replacer or Whole Milk:

• Importance: The choice between milk replacer and whole milk impacts the calf’s growth and development.
• Key Practices: Providing a balanced milk replacer or high-quality whole milk, along with a gradual transition to solid feed, supports proper nutrient intake.

3. Balanced Nutrition:

• Importance: A well-balanced diet supports optimal growth, organ development, and future milk production.
• Key Practices: Implementing a nutrition plan that meets the calf’s energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements fosters healthy development.

4. Weaning Process:

• Importance: Gradual weaning helps calves adapt to solid feed and reduces stress.
• Key Practices: Gradually introduce calf starter feed, ensuring it is palatable and nutritionally balanced, and monitor the calf’s weight and behavior during the weaning process.

Health Management: Preventing and Addressing Common Challenges

1. Vaccination Protocols:

• Importance: Vaccination programs protect against common diseases and build immunity.
• Key Practices: Develop a veterinarian-approved vaccination schedule and ensure timely administration of essential vaccines.

2. Parasite Control:

• Importance: Parasite infestations can hinder growth and compromise overall health.
• Key Practices: Implement a deworming program and maintain a clean and well-drained environment to minimize parasite exposure.

3. Housing and Ventilation:

• Importance: Proper housing and ventilation are crucial for calf comfort and disease prevention.
• Key Practices: Provide well-bedded, dry, and draft-free housing with adequate ventilation to reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

4. Monitoring and Early Intervention:

• Importance: Regular monitoring allows for early detection and intervention in case of health issues.
• Key Practices: Conduct routine health assessments, such as checking body condition, observing behavior, and promptly addressing any signs of illness.

Environmental Considerations: Creating a Comfortable Living Space

1. Clean and Dry Bedding:

• Importance: Clean and dry bedding reduces the risk of disease and provides a comfortable environment.
• Key Practices: Regularly clean and replenish bedding materials to ensure a dry and hygienic space.

2. Adequate Space and Socialization:

• Importance: Sufficient space and social interaction contribute to calf well-being.
• Key Practices: Provide enough space for each calf, and encourage socialization with peers to prevent stress and boredom.

3. Calf-Friendly Facilities:

• Importance: Well-designed facilities promote ease of management and calf comfort.
• Key Practices: Ensure facilities are designed with consideration for easy feeding, cleaning, and monitoring, and provide protection from extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

Dairy calf management is a multifaceted responsibility that demands attention to nutrition, health, and environmental factors. By implementing sound practices in colostrum management, balanced nutrition, health protocols, and creating a comfortable living space, dairy farmers can set the stage for the healthy development of calves that will, in turn, contribute to the long-term success and productivity of the entire dairy operation. Investing time and effort in calf management is not only a commitment to the well-being of individual animals but also a strategic investment in the future sustainability of the dairy enterprise.

 Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

Care and Management of Newborn Calf

Please follow and like us: