What methods are there to improve calf survival rates?

Calf survival rate has always been a concern for farmers, because compared with adult cattle, calves are too fragile. Therefore, farmers have also been studying various ways to improve calf survival rates. Here, the editor will briefly introduce a few points for everyone.

1. Temperature control in the cowshed

Newborn calves are different from cows and are very sensitive to temperature, so temperature control in the pen at this time is particularly important. During the first month after birth, the most suitable temperature for calves is basically around 20°C-30°C. At this time, their hair has not yet fully developed, so the air temperature needs to be controlled. After one month, if the outdoor temperature is above 20°C, they can be allowed to enjoy sunlight, which can effectively improve their physique. Bedding must be laid at the bottom of the pen for the calves so that they can also stay warm effectively at night.

2. Cleanliness and hygiene

Calves have a much higher chance of developing diseases caused by hygiene than adult cattle, and even a slight worsening can lead to death, because at this time the calf's immune system is not yet complete and its resistance is extremely poor. Hygiene management at this stage is mainly pen hygiene, because calves at this time are generally not very dirty. The calf-rearing pen should be disinfected in advance, manure should be cleaned up every day, and the bedding area and the excretion area should be opposite each other to ensure a hygienic growing environment for the calves.

3. Vaccine injection

Vaccines are key to calves' immunity against some diseases and can effectively improve calf survival rates, so it is recommended that calves gradually complete all required vaccine injections within about one week after birth. Because farming locations differ, the diseases that occur also differ. Vaccines such as inactivated bovine Pasteurella vaccine and bovine epidemic fever vaccine basically all need to be injected. For other vaccines, farmers can inject them in a targeted way according to the diseases that are more common locally.

4. Proper feeding

Colostrum and supplementary feeding are an important process for improving calf survival rates, and farmers should seize this opportunity. Generally speaking, the earlier colostrum is fed, the better. It is recommended that calves be able to drink colostrum within about one hour after birth, and manual assistance with nursing can be used. After one week, supplementary feeding can be carried out according to the situation. Early supplementary feeding should focus on supplementing trace elements and nutrition. The feed fed should be as thick and paste-like as possible to help the calves absorb it, but it must not be too sticky, so as not to block the young cattle's esophagus. A certain amount of sugar can be added to the feed to induce the calves to eat.

The above are effective means by which calves can improve their survival rate after birth, and farmers can refer to them. Farmers should also pay attention to management during the cow's reproductive period, because a cow with a better physique is the key to giving birth to high-quality calves.