Calf management

Question 1

Colostrum feeding

Answer 1

• 3 litres in first 6 hours and 3 litres in second 6 hours
• The calf should start to suckle during the first 3 hours of its life.
• 8% of calf body weight within 12 hours after birth
• Takes 20 mins to consume 2 litres of colostrum

Question 2

Twice a day bucket feeding

Answer 2

2 litres of milk, 2 times per day from 2 weeks to 2 months.
Labour intensive
Calf growth may be limited

Question 3

Cold as lib feeding

Answer 3

Using a teat and a container. Advantages: fast growth rates and allows for 24-hour milk consumption.
Disadvantages: lower hygiene standards. Increased urine production (as calves are drinking more) and so this increases the bedding requirements.

Question 4

Automatic feeding

Answer 4

Advantages: low labour. Good growth
Disadvantages: regular maintenance of the machine needed

Question 5

Veal production

Answer 5

Holstein-freisian dairy used with a good quality bull (limousine, chamalet)

Question 6

Easy calvers

Answer 6

Aberdeen Angus. limousin