Key Points for Winter Feeding and Management of Newborn Calves

Newborn calves generally refer to calves from birth to within 7 days of age. At this time, the calf's tissues and organs are not yet fully developed, its resistance to adverse surrounding environments is relatively poor, its nervous system is underdeveloped, its thermoregulatory ability is weak, and its digestive function is weak. Extensive feeding and management can easily lead to illness and death of newborn calves. Especially when winter comes and the weather is cold, strengthening calf feeding and management becomes even more important.

1. Cold prevention and warmth retention. The most suitable temperature for a calf barn is 15-20 degrees, and the humidity is 65%. Therefore, before winter arrives, windproof and cold-proof measures should be taken, some narrow cracks should be sealed to prevent the intrusion of drafts, corresponding heating equipment should be placed, bedding should be thick and dry and replaced in a timely manner, ventilation openings should be kept, and ventilation should be carried out when the weather is good.

2. Cut the umbilical cord and clear away mucus. After the calf is born, the birth attendant should promptly handle the umbilical cord. Usually, the calf's umbilical cord will break naturally; if it does not break, use disinfected scissors to cut the umbilical cord 6-8 cm from the abdomen, squeeze out the blood and mucus in the umbilical cord, disinfect with 5% iodine tincture, and do not bandage the cut umbilical cord. A small knot may be tied, and natural shedding is best. The mucus on the calf's body is best licked dry by the cow to increase the bond between mother and calf, but the mucus in the mouth and nose should be removed with a towel. Peel off the calf's soft hooves to help it stand.

3. Let the calf eat colostrum as early as possible. After the calf is born, try to let it eat colostrum within half an hour, because colostrum contains more maternal antibodies, which can enhance the calf's resistance to disease. Weak calves should be assisted with artificial feeding until they can suckle on their own.

4. Check the afterbirth. After checking whether the cow's afterbirth is normal, immediately take away the afterbirth to prevent the cow from eating it.

5. Weighing and file creation. Before the calf eats colostrum after birth, it should be weighed and recorded. Register the names and numbers of the parents and the calf itself, the date, birth weight, characteristics, etc., and establish good breeding records.

6. Strengthen management. Keep the pens clean and hygienic, frequently clean the cattle barn, and disinfect regularly. Achieve frequent cleaning, frequent observation, and frequent replacement of bedding. Clean at least once a day, and it is strictly forbidden to rinse with cold water. Long Zhaohui