This month, Denise talks about successful calf management. Successful Calf Management C ows in the milk string are often viewed as the only important animals on the dairy because they provide the current source of income. Dry cows and calves often do not receive adequate attention. However, calves are the future of the dairy and should be managed to insure healthy, high producing cows for the future milk string.
Feed calves enough high quality colostrum soon after birth.
Keep calves clean, dry and comfortable. Feed enough whole milk or quality milk replacer until weaning. T he birthing area is the calf's first exposure to the outside world. This area needs to be kept particularly clean to prevent cross-infection of newborn calves with bacteria or pathogen loads which may cause illness. Special care needs to be taken to remove all manure, soiled bedding, or other debris from previous birthings.