SHARING OPTIONS:
Calves are penned in groups of six or seven on arrival to the Thrive demo farm. \ Philip Doyle
When it comes to calf rearing, it really comes down to attention to detail and getting the basics right. Ensuring a good start to life for the calf will set them up for the rest of the production system. Here we take a look at some of the main points to consider when starting out with a dairy-beef system.
1 Sourcing calves
One thing that has really become apparent throughout the Thrive programme is knowing about where your calves come from and how well they have been looked after in terms of colostrum and housing hygiene is priceless. Building good relationships between dairy farmer and beef farmer is a critical piece in the puzzle.
March and into early April is commonly the time when any calf health issues occur on farms.
This is usually because the number of calves on the farm has increased, housing facilities have come under pressure and the bacteria load in the environment is usually at its highest.
Therefore, it is critical that farmers take extra precautions to try and prevent any scour outbreak or other issues occurring during this period.
The first place to start is with the calf housing facilities. Ensure calves have enough space (1.7m² floor space and 10m³ air space) and that pens are not overcrowded.
February 22, 2021, 8:00 pm
With the spring calf rearing season upon us, it is important that farmers buying in young calves provide them with the best environment possible to ensure that they maximise their performance this spring.
In the first programme of ‘The Calf Show’ series, hosted by
AgriLand this evening (Monday, February 22), our panellists discussed the subject of calf housing this spring, and the potential changes that may need to be made.
Speaking on the topic, Dr. Doreen Corridan from Munster Bovine and Peter O’Hanrahan, who is a participant of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme, highlighted the key lessons they have learned when it comes to giving calves the best environment.