Calf Rearing: The right start for every calf on your farm

Calf Rearing: The first weeks leave their mark

What happens in the first weeks of life has a long effect. A prompt colostrum supply within the first hours, a dry lying area and milk at the right temperature get every calf off to a good start. In this section you will find everything for calving, feeding and housing, from calving aids through pens and igloos to bottles, heaters and blankets.

Calving and the first care

With a difficult calving, what counts is having clean equipment ready to hand. Calving ropes, leg straps and calving aids belong in one fixed box, so you are not searching when it matters. Pull only in rhythm with the contractions and call for veterinary help in good time. After that, colostrum takes centre stage, ideally within the first hours of life and in sufficient quantity. A lifting harness helps with cows that cannot get up on their own after calving. Keep the calving pen clean and dry, which noticeably lowers the germ pressure for cow and calf.

Feeding, housing and climate

Calves take milk best when it is close to body temperature. Milk heaters and water bath tanks bring larger quantities evenly up to temperature, while bottles and teat buckets with suitable teats make for calm drinking. In the first weeks individual housing in pens or igloos is common, and the group follows later. What matters is freedom from draughts, dry bedding and fresh air. In cold weather or after an illness, calf blankets help, because young calves have hardly any fat reserves. If a calf shows scours or a cough, bring in your vet.

Frequently asked questions

How warm should the milk be?
Roughly the body temperature of the calf. Milk that is too cold is taken less well, and milk that is too hot is unpleasant.

When is individual housing usual?
In the first weeks of life many farms keep calves singly in pens or igloos, and after that they move into the group.

When does a calf need a blanket?
At low temperatures and after illness. Young calves have few fat reserves and cool down quickly.