Raising Cattle – 12 Ways to Promote Development of Dairy Replacements and Prevent Calf Losses

A capable person who is well trained in calf raising and management should be assigned the task of raising the future dairy herd. Timing and sanitation need to be given top priority in the daily calf feeding and management procedure.

It is of utmost importance that the calf be checked completely at least twice daily. Any abnormal or sick calf should be isolated, treated, and checked hourly, if necessary, until its health has returned to normal. The following general rules, if adhered to daily, will prevent calf losses and promote normal development of the young dairy replacements:

– Observe condition of hair and eyes (dullness and brightness).
– Observe appetite at each feeding twice daily, also nature and consistency of droppings.
– Check for external and internal parasites.
– Note coughing, possible respiratory disorder.
– Be alert to change in calf’s temperature. Normal temperature is 101.5 – 102.5 degrees F. Temperatures may be sub-normal or as high as 107.0 degrees F. Check for panting.
– Check hay, bedding, water, salt, and mineral supply.
– Keep feed troughs clean.
– Calves should be checked occasionally for normal growth by using a livestock tape to measure the heart girth.
– Turn suspicious calves out of individual pens to check for abnormal gait, kicking at stomach which may indicate torsion, limping for foot rot, or other abnormalities.
– Check sick calves four times daily and isolate them to prevent disease from spreading.
– Immunize and routinely treat according to the veterinarian’s recommendations.
– Request that the veterinarian check the entire herd periodically, including calves, to locate minor problems and to prevent serious outbreaks.

Many kinds of equipment are needed for the care, treatment, and management of calves and heifers. Failure to have the equipment conveniently arranged and readily available often contributes to higher calf losses.