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It sounds like a fairly simple objective, but as we all know it can much more difficult than it appears. Producing strong and healthy stock is not only an ongoing process, but one that requires detailed knowledge and care.
At The Calf Company, we have put a team of people, a system of care and a product range that can assist you from day one, with whatever throws itself at you.
We are proud to offer professional, caring knowledge and support.
The major causes of calf losses in the UK are neonatal scour and pneumonia. The impact of these on your calves can be minimized by adopting basic management protocols to both reduce exposure to the causative organisms and increase the calves immunity.
There are many different pathogens which can cause scour, the most common are listed below:
With so many possible causes it is important to test faecal samples enabling us to determine which organisms you are dealing with, allowing us to create a specific control strategy.
Dependant on the severity of the scour treatment it maybe decided to include:
Respiratory disease is the most common cause of disease in weaned calves. There are many viruses and bacteria which can cause pneumonia including:
Respiratory disease can have a rapid onset and spreads very quickly, causing a variety of clinical signs, including:
Vaccines are available to give added protection against the major causes of pneumonia (consult your vet for further advice).
Bloat is most seen early in the calf’s life when the calf isn’t fully developed & going through a transitional period.
It’s an over expansion of the abomasum or rumen due to the gas produced by feed building up and not being able to escape.
Calves with bloat may refuse feed, kick at the stomach, look generally unhappy, grind their teeth.
| Risk | How can I Reduse the Risk? |
|---|---|
|
Used/Worn Teats Teats that are worn can be seen as spraying. Calves will digest this too quickly – flood the oesophageal groove causing milk to enter the rumen. |
Regular changing of teats. Change all teats on
feeder together minimising the risk of different
flow levels. |
|
Overfeeding Remember what’s natural for a calf. Feeding large quantities in a single feed at an early age will flood the abomasum & start filling the rumen. |
A calf wouldn’t be taking huge amounts of milk
of their damns in a single feed but in various
amounts throughout the day (little & often) – if
we can mimic this process this would be
perfect (automatic feeders) will allow this
process. However, this is not possible on all
farming systems. Start your calves on the
recommended feeding volume according to
the milk powder and slowly build up over a
large period of time e.g. 0.5L over a week.
Feed a maximum of 3L per meal |
|
Irregular Feeding Concentration A build of dried powder on automatic feeders/ scoops will alter percentage levels. |
Clean scoops regularly so no build of dried
powder on surfaces. Use scales to measure
powder levels. Calibrate Automatic Feeders
fortnightly. |
|
Dirty Equipment Build of milk solids on equipment allow pathogens to grow. |
Clean equipment after every use to ensure no
bacterial build up. (Please see Essential
Hygiene Page for more information) |
|
Teat Height Ensure oesophageal groove is in the correct position. |
Check height of teats regularly (60cm), adjust
with bedding. |
|
Poorly Mixed Milk Lumps in mixed milk will have different levels of quantities & block up teats. |
Ensure Milk is mixed thoroughly before
feeding. |
|
Different Temperatures Irregular feed temperatures will not stimulate the oesophageal groove causing potential of milk entering the wrong stomach. |
Ensure Milk is fed at the right temperature
when being provided to the calves (38C).
Consider distance to calf shed from mixing
room & current weather conditions aswell as
old equipment. |
|
Irregular feeding times Prevents stimulation of oesophageal groove. Can cause calves to overeat. |
Calves are clever & have their own body
clock, keep feeding times the same every day.
If late on feeding, calves will start gauging
concentrate – this can be a problem if the calf
is at a very young age. |
|
Colostrum Intake Inadequate levels of good quality colostrum. Incorrect technique of inserting tube causing potential damage to oesophageal grove |
Test colostrum, Feed 10% calf’s bodyweight
within first 6 hours.
Try to use a teat if possible |
