HEIFERMAX

Suggestions that calf care people tube feed sick or newborn calves are often met with cries of “Oh, no, I’m scared of doing that!”. Some calf raisers are afraid to tube calves in case they hurt the calf or get liquid into the calf’s lungs. While stomach tubing calves may not be the most exciting task it is a very necessary skill for dairy farmers and calf rearers to master. Read more »

During a recent discussion, a dairy farmer made the comment that beef calves get on fine when they are left to suckle their colostrum from the cow. He went on to query the recommendation that dairy farmers routinely administer colostrum to their calves.

His comments highlighted the fact that many dairy farm personnel are confused about colostrum and the role it plays in the life (or death) of a dairy calf.

I hope this article develops a better understanding of the reasons behind this recommendation.

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