Technical Information Related To Calf Rearing
In order to have a healthy calf from a cow or a heifer:
- The cow or the heifer should not be milked anymore 1.5-2 months before the delivery.
- During this period, the pregnant animal should be put into a balanced ration program.
- The pregnant animal should be taken to a delivery division, which has an area between 16-25 square meters, that has been disinfected and its floor filled with clean hays, 1-2 weeks prior to the delivery.
- Those cows that will give birth for the first time should be frequently observed and assistance should be provided during delivery.
First tasks to be completed when the calf is born:
- Calf should be dried with a clean cloth and if there are any fetal membranes covering the mouth and the nose, clean these as well.
- Umbilical cord should be cut from a distance of 5-6 cm from the body and for two days, twice a day it should be disinfected with a iodized tincture.
- Whether the calf breathes regularly or not should be controlled. If there is an irregularity in terms of the animal’s breathing, the following methods may be followed to ensure that the calf breathes regularly;
- Stimulating the nostrils with a small piece of hay to make the animal sneeze; closing the mouth to blow air into the nostrils, gently throwing cold water onto its face, lightly massaging the chest, if necessary, holding it upside down from its rear legs.
Why is calf feeding significant?
- In order to reduce the mortality rates during the first month period, where the mortality rates are particularly high
- In order to use them for breeding at an earlier age
- In order to ensure higher sperm holding capacity during the reproductive ages
- Higher milk and meat production during the productivity stage
- So that breeding can continue for longer periods of time
Significance of Colostrum (mouth milk) for the calf:
Colostrum (mouth milk) : After the calf is born, the colostrum is the kind of milk obtained from the bow for the first 3-4 days, that is high in nutritional values due to the immunity substances.
- It is high in protein and fat contents.
- Its density is higher in comparison to the normal milk.
- Within the first hour after the calf is born, it should be made sure that it drinks at least 2-3 liters of colostrum.
- Due to the immunity substances it contains, 2-3 liters of colostrum given to the calf right after birth will significantly reduce the calf mortality rates.
- Colostrum will provide maximum protection for the calf during the first 24 hours due to the immunity substances and after this period colostrum will lose its ability to prevent the calf from diseases.
- It is sufficient for the calf to stay with its mother for 1-3 days after birth.
The main aim for stopping breastfeeding in a shorter period of time is to obtain a faster growth rate for the calf by giving smaller amounts of milk without inhibiting normal growth. For applying this method, in order to ensure that the calf develops healthily, it should get used to dense and forage as soon as possible. As of the end of the first week, the calves should constantly have Çamlı Calf Starter Feed and clean water in front of them freely. In order for the calf to get used to the feed, the most appropriate timing would be after drinking milk. In order for the calves to stop drinking milk, they have to consume 600-650 grams of Çamlı Calf Starter Feed on a daily basis.
The calf, which has a live weight of 2.5%, should be given 1 kg of 18% clover and 1-1.5 kg of vetch or hay in addition to Çamlı Calf Grower Feed during the 4th, 5th and 6th months. From the 7th month until the 12th month, for feeding the male calves with live weight of 2.5%, Çamlı Fattening feed and for the female calves with live weight of 2% Çamlı heifer feed should be given together with 1 kg of silage for every 100 kg of live weight and additionally 3-4 kg of vetch or hay.
