Ensure a gold diet from day one

Extra effort now will pay dividends throughout her milking life.

Heifers that reach target weights make successful milking cows and growing them well starts from the day they are born.

All calves, including bobbies, must receive adequate fresh colostrum within the first 24 hours of life and should be fed colostrum, or a colostrum substitute, for at least the first four days of life.

Always handle calves gently and with care. Do not allow anyone to throw, hit or drag a calf at any time. Electric prodders must not be used on calves.

Calves not with their mothers must be provided with shelter to stay warm and dry.

Calf pens must be fit for purpose and well maintained. Bedding areas must be comfortable, clean and dry, with adequate ventilation but draft free at the calf level. Exposed concrete, bare earth and mud are not acceptable.

Calves should be fed at the same times each day to minimise stress; always ensure calves have access to plenty of fresh water.

Feed calves adequate quantities of good quality feed to rapidly achieve weaning weight with a well-developed rumen.

The calf should drink at least 2L of fresh colostrum during the first six hours of life to get protective antibodies. To achieve this, pick up calves twice a day and give them gold colostrum. Gold colostrum is valuable even if it contains blood or with clotty mastitis milk. It is best fed fresh but may be frozen for up to six months. Thaw/heat in warm water; do not microwave.

Test the level of antibodies in a batch of colostrum using a Brix refractometer, available from a vet, farm supply store or a home brew shop. Brix higher than 22% is best for newborns.

Store colostrum in multiple drums (to reduce risk of loss), in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Stir twice a day; a colostrum keeper or yoghurt starter, available from supermarkets, can be added to each drum to preserve it.

Health and hygiene 

- Scrub all feeding equipment well with hot water and detergent

- Remove sick calves promptly to a designated sick pen

- Frequently clean and disinfect pens where sick calves are treated

- Disinfect hard surfaces

- Ensure bedding is regularly refreshed

- Control the spread of disease by minimising movement between pens. 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, treat for parasites and provide access to shelter.

Regular checks

- Calves must be checked twice daily for signs of ill-health and treatment given when needed.

- Check for the following:

- Noses clear of discharge, moist and cool

- Calves alert and with responsive ears with no infection around the ear tag

- Navels clear of infection

- Mouths clear of ulcers

- Calves stand and walk normally, i.e. no joint problems

- All calves feeding

- Calves' coats must be shiny and supple

- If you lightly pinch a calf's skin and it is slow to return to normal it may be dehydrated and need electrolytes immediately.