Calf And Heifer Rearing Flashcards
What happens in the first day of the calves life
Navel hygiene
Colostrum - 10% of birth weight ideally by 2 hours old another 10% next 6-12 hours
Force feed by person
Harvested from cow after calving
Hygienic collection and storing
Measure quality
Avoid pooled colostrum - calf’s own Dam ideally
How can colostrum be stored
Fridge keeps 24 hours
Freezer keeps 1 year defrost by water bath (don’t denature proteins)
How do we assess passive transfer of immunity
Blood sample between 24 hours - 7 days old
Used for total protein and zinc sulphate turbidity test
Look at power point for numbers
What can be done if passive transfer fails
Plasma transfusion
Stimulate non specific immune system
What does we use a cuddle box for
To snatch calves, preventing them coming into contact with dams faeces prevent spread of disease
What is the minimum amount of milk per head per day
Traditionally 2x 2 litres
Now 5-6 litres 15% of body weight (plus extra if cold)
How is milk replacer made up and how is it fed
Based on skimmed milk - 20-26% CP. Feed at 37-39 degrees.
Extra feed and warmth - 0.3l per 5 degrees below
Less than 15 degrees for calves 3 weeks old
Less than 10 degrees for calves over 3 weeks old
Mix at correct ratio + be consistent
What is the feeding, health and welfare of calves
Feeding - milk and rumen development
Health - calf to calf contact, ventilation and hygiene
Welfare - social interactions and movement
Water must be available
What should the housing of calves be like
Drainage - slope under calf 1:20
Group housing negatives - 10-15% less growth, intake monitored, infectious disease and navel suckling
Group housing positives - lower labour, social interaction
What are the advantages of pair housing
Higher DMI + DLWG
Better cognitive ability
Better ability to cope with change
Explore new environment + feeds more readily
What are the space allowances of a calf
Minimum = 1.8 x 1.0m
Groups - 1.5m2 up to 150kg, 2m2 for 150-200kg
Feeding space more than 0.35m
What should the ventilation be like for calves
Good air circulation
No draught - air speed max 0.25m/s
Inlet area 0.05m2
Outlet area 0.04m2
Distance inlet to outlet 1.5-2.5m
Air space min 7m3/calf
What is included in good housing hygiene
Bedding: plenty, clean and dry
Staff: boot dip, dedicated clothing
Equipment: calf house only
No contact with older cattle: airspace, faeces
All in, all out system
What is the target DLWG for calves and how much should they eat while weaning
Target DLWG - 0.7-0.8kg
Weaning - when eating more than 1kg concentrate per day
What are the guild lines for dairy calf rearing
Mortality less than 5%
Weaning 2 month old weight more than 70kg
Puberty 12 month old weight 45-50%
Service 15 month old weight 65%
1st calving 24 month old weight 85-90%
