Calf Rearing

The mature ruminant animal has 4 stomachs.  When a calf is born only one stomach is working.

The newborn calf needs colostrum ideally within 2 hours of birth.  The blood in the new born calf has no antibodies to protect it against infection, but when it has consumed colostrum the antibodies are transferred from cow to calf.

Through the introduction of dry feed, either hay or concentrate, the rumen starts to develop.  The calf should have access to hay from 7 days, and access to concentrate from 14 days. 

Even though the new born calf is eating very little concentrate it is very important to provide a product of high palatability and fully balanced so that the young calf is encouraged to become more reliant on concentrate than milk. 

Calves should be eating at least 1 Kg of concentrate before they are weaned.

You may also be interested in: