Calves
While dairy calves are seperated from the dam...
The purpose of calf breeding is either to rear replacement heifers in dairy farming or to produce beef calves for a feedlot. The latter are usually brought up on pasture among the breeding herd until they are sold to the feedlot.
...to be moved to individual hutches...
Newborn calves should be given colostrum and moved to dry and clean calf hutches or conventional calf barns. The bodies own defense mechanism is not yet completely developed in baby calves.
...beef calves stay with their moms
Thus the animals are predisposed to certain infections. However, management, hygiene and environmental conditions can have a tremendous preventive effect. They are essential for successful calf breeding.
Calf hutches gain in popularity and are known to be most effective in preventing endemic respiratory infections. They should be well bedded, have an open front facing south (northern hemisphere) and a fenced exercise area.
Prevent the exposure of calves to pathogens
- feed at least 2 l (0,5 gal) of colostrum during the first two hours
- feed colostrum for another 4 to 5 days
- isolate new animals for at least a week and screen them for diseases
- raise calves in hutches
- reduce the population density within conventional barns
- requirements
- 6 m³ (55 sq.ft.) for calves under 6 weeks
- 10 m³ (90 sq.ft.) for calves 6 to 13 weeks old
- 16 m³ (145 sq.ft.) for calves older than 13 weeks
- expose calves to sunlight
- improve endogenous defense mechanisms prior to stressful events by paramunisation
- make sure calves are weaned well in advance of stressful events (shipment, changes in nutrition, cold seasons)
- vaccination, deworming and dehorning should be completed at least 3 weeks prior to shipment or entry to a feedlot.
- clean and disinfect animal facilities and transporting equipment at regular intervals to prevent viral and bacterial spreading
Calves are susceptible to certain infectious diseases:
- BRSV
- IBR
- BVD/MD
- Crowding disease/Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)
- Leptospirosis
- Enterotoxemia