The first few weeks after arrival are critical for calf health and performance. Whether you’re buying in calves or managing those already on farm, good early care can prevent setbacks and support stronger growth. Focusing on nutrition, reducing stress, and spotting problems early will pay off in healthier calves and better-performing heifers later on.
Top Tips for Calf Rearing
By: Michelle McGrath
Programme Manager CalfCare and Hoof HealthCheck
Buying Calves
If you’re buying in calves, you will want to avoid any setbacks.
- Ensure that palatable calf starter, fresh forage (hay or straw) and access to clean water are provided from the day of arrival.
Managing Calves
It’s a key time to manage stressful events, such as disbudding, vaccinating and weaning. Avoid combining stressful events.
- Have a disbudding and castration plan – use pain relief and local anaesthetic. Talk to your vet about vaccination protocols for pneumonia and clostridial diseases.
Calf Health
Look for early signs of sickness such as lethargy and refusing to eat or drink. Separate sick calves from the group and seek early treatment and diagnosis from your vet.
Homemade Electrolyte Recipe:
Mix in 2 litres of warm water:
- 8 grams (1/2 tbsp) of Low Salt
- 12 grams (1 tbsp) of Bread Soda
- 40 grams (2 – 3 tbsp) of Glucose
Pre-Breeding Heifers
Weigh heifers to check if they are on target (there is still time to feed them if not).
Bluetongue vaccines are only effective 3 weeks after receiving the 2nd dose. You must leave 3 weeks between the 1st and 2nd dose.
Midge activity will increase during April.
CalfCare Programme
More information on the CalfCare Programme is available on the Animal Health Ireland Website.
AHI Stakeholders
AHI gratefully acknowledges the financial and other contributions of our stakeholders.
