Rearing topics

Healthy calves are fit and alert, eagerly drinking their milk, maintaining a body temperature between 38 and 39 degrees, and sporting a shiny coat. They thrive in a neutral temperature zone of 15 to 25 degrees, which means they don’t need to use their energy to stay warm or cool down. This is crucial because calves are born with minimal fat reserves and an undeveloped immune system. Colostrum is essential to give them a strong start. Moreover, effective management is key in building their resistance against diarrhea and respiratory issues, ensuring a hassle-free and robust development.

Gut health

Diarrhea is a condition that regularly occurs in many calves. In infectious diarrhoea, the pathogens take the upper hand. In calves that suffer from nutritional diarrhoea, everything is aimed at creating rest in the gastrointestinal tract. Often there is something you can do about it.

Respirotary health

Healthy lungs ensure maximum growth and development of the calf and better performance as a dairy cow. In the event of respiratory problems, it is also advisable to adjust the calf’s diet.

Colostrum

Colostrum contains high concentrations of antibodies (IgG) that protect the calf. In addition, the colostrum contains energy, proteins, minerals, vitamins and substances that have a positive influence on the development of the small intestine.

Hygiene

As a dairy farmer, you take measures to ensure a good start before the calf is born. Hygiene around the youngest calves comes in four steps: the calving shed, the colostrum, the single pen and the farmer.

Housing

Clean and comfortable calf sheds help create a nurturing environment for calves and reduce the risk of disease and encourage high growth rates.

Milk Phase

Immediately after birth, the calf is given high-quality colostrum as soon as possible. After 2 days of colostrum, the calf is given calf milk powder for 9 to 10 weeks. It is important to initiate rumen development as soon as possible.

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