calf r ear in g - npvet.co.nz · (calf rearing guide by john moran) did you know dry and draught...

CALF REARING

TransportEnsure sufficient room forall to lie down in transit, softbedding, minimal draughts.Weigh before and aftertransport as a gauge ofstress during the process.

VaccinateThe time to vaccinate pregnant cowsis between 12 and 3 weeks prior tocalving, this timing is important toprotect this spring’s crop of calves.For effective transfer of theprotective antibodies from the dam tocalf, colostrum feeding is vital.

FeedingSame routine each day,ideally same person eachday. Milk should be brought tothe calves (NOT vice versa).Calves should all receive 2Lof colostrum when theyenter the shed for the firsttime.

FlooringShould facilitate removal of waste,Not concrete as this is slippery andcan help spread infection. Waste should not drain away fromone pen to another (can spreaddisease). Untanalised shavings or sawdust300mm or more deep works well(can be raked and topped easily andabsorbs waste well).

HousingA calf shed should be twice as deepas it is wide or high so that calves atthe back will be sheltered no matterwhat the conditions. It should bepositioned so the calves get somesun. There should be good ventilation(to prevent pneumonia due toammonia from wastes).

Selection Criteria5 days old and at least 40kgFed sufficient colostrum (2ls infirst 24 hours of life)Dry umbilical cordsBright and alert, not lameNeither nor Twins Purchased from as fewsources as possible

Mob NumbersSegregate age groups and have nomore than 10 - 12 per penCalves require 1.5 m2 space aroundthem eachDO NOT mix animals from differentpensRun a hospital pen completelyseparate (ie no communication) fromother pens DO NOT return these calves tooriginal pen.

A planned calf rearingprogramme thatincludes annualvaccination of yourherd with Rotavec®Corona can minimisethe effects ofinfectious scours onyour calves.

Disinfect regularly

USEFUL LINKS:www.calfcare.co.nzwww.nrm.co.nzhttp://www.ezicalve.co.nz/calf-rearing-calculator/www.ngahiwifarms.co.nz (POUKAWA CALF RAISING SYSTEM)https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/profitable-calf-rearingwww.bell-booth.co.nz (QUEEN OF CALVES REARING SYSTEM)https://www.paperplus.co.nz/book/calf-rearing-9780643098725(Calf rearing guide by John Moran)

DID YOU KNOW Dry and draught free

(growth rate of shelteredcalves can be up to 20%

higher than those exposedto the weather)

For more information:New Plymouth Vet Group

235 Devon Street EastNew Plymouth(06) 7584006

www.npvet.co.nz