Shropshire Farming Talk: The key to getting dairy calves off to the best start

“I would encourage no restriction on access to milk for the first two weeks of life,” says Jessica Yeomans, technical calf and youngstock specialist at Wynnstay. “Calves should be getting six to eight litres or more a day, but we should be encouraging calves to feed to appetite during their early life. This will help improve the calf’s health, have a better feed conversion ratio and a positive impact on daily liveweight gain.” 

Letting calves feed on demand is also advisable from a welfare perspective as it will encourage more natural behaviour, which in turn will help avoid possible infection or illness.  

“If you think about a hungry calf it will wander around, unsettled, and try to suck on other things like gates and so on. This then gives a higher risk of picking up bad bacteria and infections,” says Jessica. “If it is full, a content and well-fed calf will play and sleep and that’s what we want to see.” 

Slowly weaning can also have a positive impact on the calf, adds Jessica. “Weaning needs to be managed carefully; it doesn’t want to be done too abruptly. I would advise weaning over three to four weeks to encourage an increase in dry feed intake.” 

Maintaining good hygiene is also vital for calf health; keeping feeding equipment clean and making sure calves are housed in a sanitary environment to help prevent disease is important. 

“Newborn calves want to be in a clean and well-disinfected pen, with the pen thoroughly cleaned out after each calf leaves,” says Jessica. “Deep straw bedding is good as it keeps them warm and offers protection. If a calf is sleeping in a well-bedded pen with its nose down, the straw will provide a barrier and help improve hygiene. 

“Also, think about keeping the area draught-free but clean and well ventilated. Disinfect all equipment and feed calves from youngest to oldest. If weaning is managed carefully the results can be exciting.” 

For more information visit wynnstay.co.uk