Calf Health and Hygiene

Giving calves the best possible start sets them up for a long, productive life. The foundation of successful calf rearing isn't just about feeding schedules or housing; it's about developing sharp observation skills and responding quickly when problems arise. Good stockmanship means knowing your calves well enough to spot the early warning signs before minor issues become major health crises.

Every dollar spent on prevention during the first few months saves significantly more in treatment costs and lost production later. A calf that experiences setbacks early in life may never reach its full genetic potential for milk production, fertility, or longevity in the herd.

Good health and hygiene practices

The best treatment for calf diseases is prevention. A clean environment dramatically reduces the pathogen load that young calves are exposed to during their most vulnerable period.

• Scrub all feeding equipment and hard surfaces. Milk residue provides an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
• Wash feeders, teats, and milk containers with hot water and approved sanitisers, then allow them to air dry completely.
• Remove sick calves promptly to your designated sick pen. Frequently clean and disinfect pens where sick calves are treated.
• Limit unnecessary movements between pens, as this spreads disease-causing organisms.
• Ensure bedding is regularly refreshed. Good drainage prevents water pooling, where pathogens multiply.
• Calves of the same age should stay in the same pen. However, small or unthrifty calves may be better off with a healthy younger group.
• Vaccinate and treat for parasites.
• Consider treating sick calves with a NSAID (anti-inflammatory) to relieve pain.
• Provide access to shelter.
• Ensure good biosecurity measures.
  • Restrict access to the calf area to essential personnel only.
  • Provide boot wash stations at entry points.
  • Keep a record of who enters the area and when.
  • Isolate new arrivals for observation before mixing with existing groups

Calf health checks

Successful calf rearing depends on catching problems early. Check calves at least twice daily, looking for small changes that indicate any developing health issues.

• Check that calves are alert. Healthy calves are curious and responsive. Watch for calves that are slower to approach feed, standing apart from others, or showing reduced activity level
• Make sure calves are alert with responsive ears and no infection around the ear tag.
• Look for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting), nasal discharge, coughing, or laboured breathing. Check for swelling in joints or the navel area. Mouths are clear of ulcers, lightly pinch a calf’s skin, and it is slow to return to normal, it may be dehydrated and need electrolytes immediately.
• All calves are feeding. Note which calves are eager to drink and which are reluctant. A calf that normally drains its milk quickly but suddenly shows little interest is signalling a problem.
• Calves have shiny, supple coats. Healthy calves stand squarely on all four legs and move freely. Watch for hunched backs, reluctance to move, or favouring one leg.

Nutritional vs. infectious scours

One of the most common challenges in calf rearing is distinguishing between different types of scours (diarrhoea). The colour or consistency of manure alone, cannot determine the cause or appropriate treatment.

Nutritional scours typically result from:

• Overfeeding or irregular feeding schedules.
• Poor milk quality or preparation.
• Sudden dietary changes.
• Stress from environmental factors

Infectious scours are caused by pathogens such as:

• Rotavirus.
• Coronavirus.
• Cryptosporidium.
• E. coli.
• Salmonella

The key difference: Infectious scours are almost always accompanied by other signs of illness, particularly elevated body temperature. This is why having a thermometer and knowing how to use it is essential for proper diagnosis.

A calf's normal body temperature ranges from 38.5°C to 39.5°C. An elevated temperature indicates the calf's immune system is fighting an infection, while a low temperature in a sick calf can indicate a serious, life-threatening condition.

How to take a calf's temperature in 5 steps:

1. Use a digital thermometer with a flexible tip.
2. Apply lubricant to the thermometer.
3. Insert gently into the rectum about 5cm deep.
4. Wait for the reading to stabilize (usually 60-90 seconds).
5. Record the temperature along with the time and date.

Calf health kit

Having the right tools and treatments readily available can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged illness. Assemble a calf health kit that's easily accessible in the calf rearing area, not stored away in a distant shed. This could include:

Diagnostic tools:

• Digital thermometer (with spare batteries).
• Lubricant gel.
• Notebook and pen for recording observations.
• Torch or headlamp for examining calves in low light.

Treatment supplies:

• Oral electrolyte solutions (have multiple sachets or bottles ready).
• Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Clean syringes and drenching equipment.
• Disposable gloves.

First aid supplies:

• Iodine for navel dipping.
• Wound spray or antiseptic.
• Disposable towels.
• Marker sprays for identifying treated animals.

Storage and maintenance

Keep your kit in a waterproof container that's easily portable. Check expiry dates regularly and replace medications as needed. Ensure all syringes and equipment are clean and ready for immediate use.

Calf health plan

Every farm should have a specific section in their Animal Health Plan for calf care. Post a copy of your calf health plan in the calf shed or rearing area where it can be consulted immediately when problems arise.

Essential information to include:

• Emergency contact numbers (veterinarian, farm manager, owner).
• Temperature ranges and what actions to take.
• Medication dosage charts based on calf weight.
• Step-by-step treatment protocols for common conditions.
• When to call the veterinarian vs. when to start treatment.
• Record-keeping requirements.

Treatment protocols:

Work with your veterinarian to develop clear protocols for common scenarios. For example: "If temperature is above 40°C, give [specific medication] at [specific dose] and call vet within 2 hours."

Training and communication

Ensure anyone involved in calf care understands the health plan and knows how to use the diagnostic tools. Regular training sessions help maintain consistency in care standards, especially during busy periods when temporary staff might be involved.

Maintain detailed records of health events, treatments, and outcomes. This information helps identify patterns, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and provides valuable information for your veterinarian.