Helping heifers grow
Dairy farmers can easily track the performance of their replacement heifers and ensure they reach their genetic potential.
According to Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the following guidelines should be followed:
- Colostrum - all calves must be fed colostrum (2-4 litres/calf) within the first 24 hours of life, preferably within 6 hours. To aid local immunity, colostrum should be fed to them twice daily.
- Handling - handle calves gently and with care always.
- Weather protection - all calves must be protected from extremes of weather, especially wind, rain, cold and heat. They should be moved to a sheltered, draught-free shed as soon as practicable after birth.
- Housing - a comfortable lying area that is well drained, covered with comfortable material and free from unpleasant odour should be provided for calves. Exposed concrete and bare earth are not acceptable. There should be enough room for all calves to lie down and no hazards likely to cause injury to the animals e.g. sharp objects, slippery floors.
- Water - calves must always have free access to clean drinking water.
- Age at presentation - calves must be at least four full days old (96 hours) before being transported off farm.
- Fit for Transport - calves must be strong and healthy. Calves should be warm and dry. Take prompt action to treat or humanely destroy sick, injured or premature calves.
Fit For Travel
How do I know if my calves are fit for transport?
To be fit for transprt calves must have the following signs:
- Healthy - eyes are bright, not dull or shrunken. Ears are upright. No visible disease (e.g. scours), deformity, injury, blindness or disability.
- Strong - able to bear weight on all four limbs - not slow or unsteady. Able to rise from a lying position and move freely around the pen.
- Hooves - firm and worn, not rounded or soft.
- Navel - dry and withered, not pink/red, raw, or fleshy.
- Fed - at least half the day's ration of colostrum (or colostrum substitute) is given not more than two hours before pick-up. Stomach must not be concave (sunken).
Select Wisely
You are responsible for selecting and presenting animals for transport.
- Do not present calves that are unfit for transport.
- Make sure the truck has easy access.
- If holding calves in a large pen, provide a means of controlling animal movement, e.g. boards or a moveable gate, so that animals are easier to catch.
- If you can, be there for pick-up to help with loading and to ensure calves are handled with care.
- Have appropriate, loading facility, e.g. ramp or raised pen.
