· Good hygiene is essential to reduce risk of infection and disease,
especially at calving and within the early hours of life.
· Dress the
calf's navel properly to protect from infection.
· Feed adequate colostrum
within the first 3-6 hours of life.
· Follow mixing concentrations and
feeding temperatures when starting to feed a milk replacer.
· Start feeding
at the rate indicated. Be careful to avoid both over- and under-feeding.
·
It is recommended that purchased calves should be fed an electrolyte to help
combat the stress of transportation. Start milk feeding after a rest period
of 6 hours.
· Always have clean fresh water available with a good source
of roughage, like clean barley straw of coarse hay.
· Calves should be
weaned carefully. They should be observed eating a minimum of 1kg concentrate/day
over a 3-4 day period and are seen to be cudding.
· Check calves frequently.
Act quickly and efficiently on any signs of ill health. Treat appropriately
or contact your vet. |
