Calf Health – The importance of a good start
With the busy calving season ahead of all dairy farmers it is very easy to forget that the dairy calves will be the future dairy cows. A strong start in a dairy calf’s life is crucial for its long-term health, growth and productivity. What happens to them in their first two months of life will have a significant impact both on how much milk they will produce and how long they will stay in the herd.
Farmers can ensure healthy, productive calves by focusing on four essential areas: housing, nutrition, cleanliness, and consistency.
The housing should be a dry, draught-free environment for calves. Calves need easily accessible water and feed, and the housing should allow caretakers to easily provide individual care. Bedding is crucial—dense straw is ideal to keep calves warm, especially when temperatures drop below 12°C. Keeping moisture and humidity low is critical in preventing respiratory diseases. Do not underestimate the impact of the environment; if the housing is poor, even high levels of immunity will not prevent infection!
The nutrition varies depending on weather and location. Calves use calories for maintenance, growth, and immunity. It is vital that a minimum of 3 – 4 litres of quality colostrum is fed within the first 6 hours of life. Following on from this a high-protein diet in the first month helps build strong immunity. Clean water and solid starter feed should also be made available early on. Calves should be fed at least two milk feeds per day until, at least, four weeks of age. In recent years, the once-a-day feeding has been quite popular in reducing the daily workload on a dairy farm. Once-a-day feeding requires careful management and knowledge of correct procedures to ensure it isn’t associated with negative health and welfare outcomes.
The cleanliness during feeding is essential to prevent disease. Milk should only be prepared in clean containers, and feeding equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between groups of calves, especially during outbreaks of disease.
Just like humans, calves thrive on consistency. This includes regular feeding times, consistent milk temperatures, and schedules. Use a thermometer to check milk temperatures and establish a reliable daily routine.
Pneumonia in calves is a common cause of death in calves over one month old, often triggered by stress and environmental factors. Prevention is key—maintaining good housing, colostrum management, and strategic vaccination can reduce the risk. Farmers should act quickly when symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, or reduced appetite appear to minimize the severity and spread of the disease. Farmers should discuss diagnosis of the causes of pneumonia and all preventative measures including vaccination with their veterinary surgeon,
By focusing on these core practices, farmers can ensure their calves have a healthy start, ultimately leading to long-term productivity in the herd.