Points to Note in Calf Rearing and Treatment Methods for Diarrhea

Calves generally refer to young cattle aged 0-6 months, and the quality of calf rearing is related to the profitability of cattle farming later on. So what should be noted during the calf rearing process? How is diarrhea treated? Farmers who want to know should keep reading.

I. Relevant information about calves

1. Current status of calf rearing

Calf rearing has developed relatively well in China's livestock industry and has good prospects, but the main problem at present is the low survival rate. The main causes include improper delivery care, neglect of details in daily rearing, and improper prevention of common cattle diseases, so farmers should strengthen management during this period.

2. Calf breeds

At present, local calf breeds in China include Qinchuan calves, Luxi calves, and Jinnan calves, while imported breeds include Simmental cattle, Charolais cattle, Limousin cattle, Hereford cattle, and Danish Red cattle, among others. Everyone can choose the most suitable breed for rearing according to different needs and conditions.

3. Prices of calves

At present, in Jiaxiang County, Shandong, the price of 2-4 month old three-way crossbred cattle ranges from 1200-3000 yuan; the price of 3-6 month old Simmental cattle ranges from 1600-4600 yuan; the price of 2-4 month old Luxi yellow cattle ranges from 1100-3000 yuan; and the price of 5-7 month old Charolais cattle ranges from 2800-4000 yuan. So the prices of calves vary by region, breed, size, and other factors.

II. What should be noted during the calf rearing process?

Calf rearing affects later growth, development, production performance, and so on, so during the rearing process attention should also be paid to:

1. Feed calves at fixed times, in fixed amounts, and at a fixed temperature

Newborn calves should be fed enough colostrum as soon as possible. Calves should be fed colostrum 0.5-1.0 hours after birth. The first colostrum feeding amount should be capped at 5% of body weight. The specific amount can be adjusted according to the calf's constitution and other specific conditions, generally 1-2 kg, and afterward it can be fed at 10%-12% of body weight, divided into 2-3 feedings per day. Special attention should be paid to the fact that after finishing the milk, the water given to the calf must be warm boiled water.

2. Adopt the method of raising calves in individual outdoor pens

From birth to weaning, calves are raised individually in a movable calf pen. Each pen is an open-style small shed with three closed sides and one side open facing the sun, no bottom, and a movable top panel, surrounded by an area enclosed by a fence where the calf can move freely. The pens are set outside the barn, one calf per pen, to avoid sucking and contact with each other, reduce the chance of disease transmission, and lower the incidence rate and mortality rate. The pens are ventilated, with fresh air and plenty of sunlight, which improves the calf's constitution.

3. Hygiene and disinfection of the calf rearing environment must be done well

For artificial feeding, attention should be paid to the hygiene of utensils, which should be scrubbed and disinfected before and after use. The cattle pens and cattle beds should be kept clean and dry, and bedding straw should be changed frequently. Regular disinfection is required. Keep the barn sunny, well ventilated, and with fresh air. In addition, the cattle body must also be kept clean and hygienic, and calves should be prevented from licking each other.

III. How is diarrhea treated during the calf rearing process?

There are many causes of calf diarrhea, and everyone should treat it according to different situations.

1. Causes

The causes of calf diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, improper rearing management, stress responses, and Cryptosporidium, among others.

2. Treatment

For different causes, comprehensive treatment measures such as improving sanitary conditions, dietary therapy, drug therapy, and fluid replacement therapy can be implemented. Sick cattle should be promptly isolated in a clean, dry, and warm separate barn for professional treatment. If there is no certainty about the condition and the farmer lacks experience, it is best to contact a veterinarian.

The above is the complete introduction from the Tuliu.com editor about calves. Everyone must pay attention to the above points when raising calves.