Calf rearing

Calves are best sourced from a local farmer. Buy a healthy calf that is at least 4 days old and that has been well fed on colostrum. Look for small dry navels, pricked up ears, firm faeces, clear bright eyes, moist noses, shiny coats (breed dependent), firm teeth and playful movements.

If possible, avoid purchasing calves from the sale, as they will have been exposed to numerous bugs and viruses. Calves purchased at the sales should be checked over particularly well.

If a bull calf is chosen, he should be castrated with a rubber ring within the first 3 weeks to become a steer; otherwise, he may become aggressive as he reaches maturity. Ensure both testicles are down before releasing the ring. Under the Code of Animal Welfare, castration of an animal greater than 6 months of age, pain relief in the form of local anaesthetic has to be used.

Basic rearing needs require:

2-3 10kg bags of milk powder
Calf teats are available that attach to a coke bottle, or a complete re-usable bottle and teat or calf feeder that hangs on a fence can be purchased
Pellets or meal from 1 week
Halter and lead, brush and cover
Drench and vaccine.

Most of these products are available from your local Franklin Vets clinic.

Feeding

Calf milk powder - Choose a brand that contains an anticoccidial agent, which is essential for preventing a parasite that can cause scours and inhibit growth.

Mixing and feeding instructions are written on the bag. Once your calf is drinking well, feed at the upper limit of the recommendation to ensure optimal growth. For best results, milk feed your calf twice a day. Supplement the milk with a high-quality calf meal from a young age to encourage rumen development. Chaffage or hay can also be offered, and ensure your calf has access to fresh, clean water every day. Allow grazing on reasonably long grass every day once it is over two weeks of age.

Print out our Treating Scours in Calves Guide

Vaccination and drenching

Your calf should be vaccinated with a 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks at the latest, then given a booster shot 4 weeks later. This vaccine prevents pulpy kidney disease, tetanus, blackleg, and malignant oedema.

Drench for worms from 6-8 weeks old, unless your vet says otherwise. Lice are a common problem. These can be controlled either using pour-on or injectable drenches. This should be combined with brushing the lice eggs from the coat, washing the calf’s cover and keeping infected calves and gear away from other calves. Please ask your vet for advice on which option is best for your pet.

Housing Requirements

A clean, dry and draught-free environment is best for optimum health. A cover will assist in your calf’s growth as it will not be using energy to keep warm.

Registration and tagging

Cattle MUST be tagged with NAIT-approved RFID tags. They must be tagged within six months of birth or before they leave the farm, whichever comes sooner. NAIT tags are the only tags required by law. Animal Health Board (AHB) approved tags are no longer compulsory, but you should not remove these tags from existing animals. Remember to register your animals after they’ve been tagged.

Debudding

Certain cattle breeds will grow horns. These are best removed when the calf is young. Franklin Vets will come to your home and debud your calf using pain relief, and an electric iron to burn off the horn stubs. This is a humane, quick, and effective approach.

Contact Franklin Vets if you have any concerns about your calf’s health. We are happy to provide advice over the phone regarding whether an animal requires treatment.

Print out our Calf Rearing Guide