Calf rearing: A strong start in life!

A healthy start determines the calf’s subsequent development. With clean feeding equipment, suitable bottles and teats, warming calf blankets and supportive leg splints for congenital limb misalignments, farmers create the best conditions for vital calves. Our checklist shows what matters most during the first days of life.

✅ 1. Hygiene

Consistent hygiene is the foundation of healthy calf rearing and helps reduce infection pressure from an early age.

• Thoroughly clean feeding bottles, feeding buckets and teats after each use. Remove all milk residues completely, as they are an ideal breeding ground for germs.
• Regularly check bottles, buckets and teats, and replace them if they have cracks, porous areas or significant wear.
• Use dedicated clothing and footwear for the calf area.
• Wash work clothing regularly, preferably at 60°C.
• Clean footwear regularly and disinfect it if necessary.
• Wash hands thoroughly before entering and after leaving the calf area.
• Use a disinfectant footbath or mat at the entrance and replace it regularly.
• Keep sick areas, calving areas and calf areas as clearly separated from one another as possible.

✅ 2. Nutrition and milk feeding

Optimal colostrum supply and reliable milk intake are crucial for the start in life and form the basis for the animals’ longevity.

• In the first hours of life, it is crucial that the calf receives enough high-quality colostrum. We explain what to watch out for in our article on colostrum management.
• In cow-calf contact rearing, the calf should be observed closely during the first days of life: Is it drinking regularly? Does it seem lively? Is it gaining weight? Does it remain active? If problems occur, targeted supplemental bottle feeding can be provided.
• When rearing without a mother cow or nurse cow, the first challenge is often getting the young calf used to the teat. It is advisable to have different types of teats and bottles available, as calves cope differently with certain shapes and flow rates.
• Teats should match the calf’s size and sucking strength: milk flow that is too fast can increase the risk of choking; flow that is too slow makes intake more difficult.
• The feeding temperature should be around 40 °C. Especially in winter, the milk can cool down, e.g. during transport, and this should be taken into account.
• Keep feeding times as consistent as possible to avoid stress.
• Clean bottles, teats and buckets immediately after feeding

   

✅ 3. Warmth and weather protection

Calves need support, especially during the first weeks of life, to keep their body temperature stable.

• Maintaining body temperature requires energy that is then unavailable for growth and immune function.
• In low outdoor temperatures, drafts or damp environments, calf blankets are very helpful, especially for newborn and weakened animals.
• Calf blankets should fit well, stay dry and be checked regularly for soiling.
• Wet or heavily soiled blankets should be changed and cleaned.
• Heat lamps can provide additional support for newborn or weakened calves.
• Care must be taken to ensure safe use and even heat distribution.
• The lying area should be dry, free from drafts and well bedded.

✅ 4. Managing limb misalignments

Congenital postural abnormalities can make the start in life more difficult. Early observation and targeted support help the calf stay mobile.

• Misalignments such as tendon contracture occasionally occur in calves after birth. They often result from the calf having limited space in the womb and can heal with consistent management during the first days and weeks of life.
• It is important that the calf can stand up, walk and drink independently. Movement supports the stretching of the shortened structures.
• Support bandages or leg splints, such as the horizont calf leg splint, can help stabilize the leg and give the calf more confidence when standing and walking.
• Fitting the calf leg splint is straightforward and possible without additional aids, but pressure sores must be avoided.
• Fit, skin areas and blood circulation should be checked regularly.
• In cases of severe misalignment, pain, swelling or no improvement, veterinary advice should be sought.

✅ 5. Observation and health checks

Regular checks help identify problems early and respond quickly.

• Check several times a day whether the calf is alert, willing to drink and active.
• Watch for diarrhoea, coughing, nasal discharge, navel infections or fever.
• Check the navel regularly during the first few days.
• Check the lying area, coat and calf blanket for moisture.
• Document drinking behaviour, especially in weak or supplement-fed calves.
• Separate animals showing abnormalities early and provide care.

✅ 6. Practical equipment for calf rearing

Good preparation makes daily care easier.

• Keep clean feeding bottles and suitable teats on hand.
• Keep spare teats in various designs available.
• Store calf blankets in suitable sizes within easy reach.
• Keep leg splints or support bandages available for initial care in cases of limb misalignment.
• Use appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants for feeding equipment and housing facilities.
• Keep a thermometer, disposable gloves and clean towels on hand.