Calf Health and Hygiene
1 min read
Give calves the best possible start to set them up for a long, productive life. Maintain routine hygiene and health practices from birth, such as regularly cleaning feeders, limiting movements between pens, and following a vaccination plan.
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.
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.
Successful calf rearing depends on catching problems early. Check calves at least twice daily, looking for small changes that indicate any developing health issues.
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:
Infectious scours are caused by pathogens such as:
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:
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:
Treatment supplies:
First aid supplies:
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.
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:
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.
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