Calf rearing

by Aoife, Lucy, Sean and Stephen

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 irish creameries.

Colostrum Feeding
It is rich in energy, having high oil content. Rich in vitamins. Vit. A prevents disease. Has a laxative effect Feed 8 10% of birth mass Do not overfeed Should be at 37 degrees Celsius

- 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

 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 4050 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 months before it is weaned and transferred for fattening During this time both cow and calf graze together outside

 There are two types suckler systems: - Singular suckler system - Multi-suckler system Single 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 while so that it does not drink all of the milk. Takes longer to rear.

 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.

 In Winter are moved into large open barns Are fed on conserved fodder, typically grass silage

How a Bucket Fed Calf is reared

Colostrum Calves after birth usually stay with mother for first 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.

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 in a bottle.

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

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

Weaning
Wean the calf from milk onto water Target weaning age is eight weeks Calves must weigh at least 65 Kg prior to weaning. Calves should be consuming a good hearty amount of solid food or calf pellets Calf starter will help with the transition.

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.

The End

Question Time
With Stephen

Question 1

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

Question 2

When do you wean a bucket fed calf?

Question 3
Why are hay and concentrates important for calves?

Question 4
How many days the cow produce colostrum?

Question 5
How much colostrum do you feed the calf?

Question 6

What Colour is colostrum?

Question 7
What does vitamin A do?

Question 8
Where can you house calves?

Question 9

Why would you not introduce a calf to the heard straight away?

Question 10

How long does the calf stay with the cow before it is weaned?