Calves
Raising a healthy calf
Colostrum, clean feeding and a dry pen: the first three months decide the cow she becomes.
4 min read
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.
The first day
- Colostrum, the first thick milk, protects the calf from disease. Give about 2 litres within the first hour or two, and more during the first day.
- Dip the navel in iodine to stop infection.
Milk feeding
- Feed about one tenth of the calf's body weight in milk each day, for most calves around 4 litres, split into two feeds.
- Use a clean bucket and wash it after every feed.
- Keep feeding times and amounts the same every day.
Growing on
- Offer clean water, calf pellets and soft hay from the second week.
- Wean at about three months, once the calf eats about 1 kg of calf pellets a day.
- Keep the pen clean, dry and free of draughts.
Watch for trouble
Diarrhoea (scours) can kill a calf quickly through loss of water. Keep giving clean water and call your vet early.
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.