Young Stock Management Training Manual and Guideline
Young Stock Management Training Manual and Guideline
August, 2017
Developed with
Dairy Training Centre
Young Stock Management
Part I Training manual
Part II Training Guideline
2
Preface
SNV Ethiopia, through EDGET project (Enhancing Dairy Sector Growth in Ethiopia, 2013-
2018), engages in the capacity building, extension services and innovative support to
the Ethiopian dairy sector particularly working with smallholder dairy farmers. The aim
of the project is to increase milk production and productivity in order to double the
income of the smallholder dairy farmers. EDGET is operational in the regions Oromia,
Amhara and SNNP, and working with 65,000 dairy farming households.
The project works closely together with livestock regional bureaus and their respective
zonal, woreda and kebele staff in delivering extension and other supports. One area of
collaboration is the development of practical training and coaching tools and materials
for extension workers based on a need assessment.
SNV has engaged the Netherlands based Dairy Training Centre (DTC) for the development
of the Training package for extension workers. The documents were more elaborated
and validated with the utmost contribution of high level experts from regional Livestock
and Fisheries resources Development Bureaus/Agencies and Research Centers from
the three operational regions of EDGET.
Overall nine training packages were developed on Breed Improvement and Fertility
Management; Dairy Cattle Feeding and Nutrition Management; Dairy Cattle Health
Management; Dairy Farm Management; Dairy Housing and Manure Management; Farm
Economics; Forage Production and Management; Hygienic and Quality Milk Production;
Young Stock Management.
SNV, also on behalf of the experts that contributed and DTC, would hope to see the
materials widely used outside the project areas by all interested dairy development
practitioners. The materials will be available in hard copies and soft copies including on
SNV website [Link] and other relevant websites.
I
Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................... I
II
List of tables
Table 1 Feeding schedule for calves .................................................................... 8
Table 2 Developmental stages of calves ............................................................. 9
Table 3 Relation between girth and body weight .................................................. 14
Table 4 Desired and reasonable body condition scores of dairy cows .................... 17
Table 5 Expected weight at age at different stages of heifers growth development .... 18
Table 6 Space required for loose and conventional housing system ......................... 19
Table 7 Feeding Space required for mature, calves and yearlings ........................... 19
III
List of figures
IV
I. Young stock training Manual
1. Introduction
Calf is the foundation stock of the future dairy herd which signifies the importance of
proper calf rearing. Selection of replacements for culled cows can only be effective
if good replacement heifers are available in the farm stock. A good management
programme will result improving calf mortality, age at first insemination, age at first
calving and calving interval.
Raising dairy heifers begins with choice of a bull likely to produce animals with high
genetic potential for milk. A well managed dairy farm should have as many calves born
every year as there are cows in the herd. Most farmers sell male calves at an early
age while the females are reared as dairy replacement heifers. Rearing a high number
of replacement heifers brings a dairy farmer to: obtain the best replacement heifers
through strict selection criteria from wide selection, expand the dairy herd at low cost
(without buying heifers or cows), and sell excess heifers to earn income.
Poor calf rearing allows future profits to slip away, something that is not always
easy to believe because present profit must be sacrificed (invested) to harvest the
full future profit. Following a few basic, but very important steps, will help ensure
that every calf matures into a profit-generating cow.
As a business man when look in terms of economic points of view, rearing heifers
is a financial investment that begins to bring dividends after the first calving;
therefore the goal should be to make ensure proper growth rate at minimum
costs incurred to be inseminated on time in order to realize full production and
productivity potential later in life.
Pregnant cow management is important for successive calving and this achieved
by proper management such as: feeding the cow with high quality and balanced
ration, appropriate health management and housing system (refer Feed and nutrition
management, and Dairy cattle housing and manure management manuals). When
say calf management it begins before birth at last stage of pregnancy (one-two weeks
before the calf is born). At this stage the pregnant cow is transferred to a maternity
paddock and the paddock should be near the homestead (for closer observation), well
ventilated and provided good quality feed and watered.
• One - two weeks before the expected date of calving the in-calved cow may be
shifted to the individual calving pen or maternity house
• The maternity house/calving pen should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
before moving in the cow/ in-calf-heifer
• Keep the cow/in-calf heifer separate from the herd in a clean place (that is not
slippery) on a clean bedding (the maternity pen)
• Maintain fresh bedding or cow mat
• Allow the cow to show natural behaviour as much as possible
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Cow handling around calving
· Dry off the cow nearer the parturition 60 days before the expected calving date, so
that she will be able to recoup and get ready for the next lactation, so stop milking
forthwith.
· The probable dates of parturition can be known if the date of insemination accurately
recorded
· On average, the calf is born at 280 days with 7 days differnce after the conception/
last insemination.
· Steaming up (start feeding some concentrates) the cow about 3 weeks before the
expected calving date. Proper, highly palatable, feed is most important in this stage
to help the cow to make a good start of the lactation and give a strong calf.
Parturition Signs
2
Calf birth position
Calving
3
3. Calf Management
• Hold the new-born from the hock and hang it head down to allow the mucus flow
off.
• Take a twig of hay or grass and tickle its nostrils. The new-born calf will sneeze
violently and expel the mucus.
If the above methods fail artificial respiration is needed to safe the calf.
If the calf is unable to suckle, it should be assisted and be allowed to suckle colostrum
from the dam during the first week.
If the calf is taken away from the cow immediately after calving, proper care should
be taken.
• Check that the calf is put in a warm, clean and properly dried place
The environment is very important, particularly for young calves, because during
the first 3 weeks until they adapt to the new environment. During this period
low resistance may expose them easily to infectious diseases such as diarrhoea,
pneumonia etc.
• Be sure that the calf gets colostrum from a clean bucket as soon as possible after
delivery but within half an hour.
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• The vital antibodies in the colostrum can only be absorbed by the calf during the
first 24 hours of life.
The digestive system of the new born calf is not well developed and milk feeding of
the calf because milk is easy for digestion. The maximum amount of milk given to calf
is about 10% of its live weight each day with the frequency of twice a day. This helps
gradual motivation of the calf to eat hay, concentrate and water is important for the
development of their digestive system. For colostrum, a minimum of 1,5 litres of high
quality colostrum, three times in the first 24 hours, results in much antibodies and in
a healthy start of life!
Calves must be fed colostrum directly after being born! should be allowed to suckle
colostrum from their dams and it can help to transfer antibodies from dam to calf. These
antibodies will be absorbed by the calf to forming a ready-made antibody resistance
system for the calf against all disease. This will protect the calf against disease in early
stages, until their own anti body developing system takes place.
• Antibodies, which help protect the calf against certain diseases and very rich in
nutrients and easily digested,
• Laxative effect that assists the calf to pass its first feaces (meconium).
Despite all that has been written about the importance of colostrum, it is evident that
poor quality and inadequate quantities are being fed in many cases. Colostrum has a
vital role in supplying antibodies that give the calf’s immunity against diseases until
its own immune system is active. Equally important, however, is a nutritional role of
colostrum. It contains a high concentration of many nutrients that are essential to
starting digestive process in the intestine.
As a general rule should have fed at least 10% of their body weight as colostrum in its
first 24 hours of life, ideally half of this within 6-12 hours of birth.
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Artificial colostrum
The dam either died immediately after giving birth or not giving colostrum the
farm owner should prepared artificial colostrum and feed to the calf three times a
day for four consecutive days.
Artificial colostrum does not supply the antibodies but is a good source of nutrients
for new born calf and serves as source of antibodies. Artificial colostrum can be
prepared from a combination of:
A. Suckling
Advantages of suckling
ü For zebu cows, the calf suckling stimulates milk let down; without a calf being
present the cow cannot be milked
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Disadvantage of suckling
ü Cow may not let down all milk when calf is not present
B. Bucket feeding
• Feeding excess milk to the calf can cause scouring. If scouring occurs, reduce the
amount of milk and feed water separately. Wait with feeding water for at least one
hour after feeding milk
• Give the calf its milk immediately after milking when the milk is at body temperature
or heat the milk to body temperature. Heating up can be done by “bain marie”
method - bucket with milk in a bucket with heated water to exchange heat. NEVER
MIX WATER AND MILK.
• Observe strict cleanliness and hygiene to prevent scouring and other disease
problems
• From the second week, provide the calf with clean drinking water at all times.
Never mix milk with water!
• From the second week start introducing small amounts of solid feeds, such as dairy
meal (or ideally calf feeds) and good quality hay. Feed young calves a total diet of
about 20% CP. Refresh the solids every feeding.
• If the solids do not contain (sufficient) minerals, hang a mineral lick where the calf
can get the minerals it needs.
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3.1.3 Calf starter
The starter contains slightly higher fibre content than does the pre-starter, a highly
digestible, highly palatable feed specifically formulated as the first dry feed to allow
early intake. At this stage the calf is consuming little milk and its rumen is still not fully
developed. The starter should contain 18% crude protein, low fibre, 0.7% calcium,
0.45% phosphorus and vitamins A, D and E. The calf shoud be fed 2-3 kg of concentrate
in the first one or one and a half year. Feeding sufficient concentrates will allow the calf
to reach the desired growth to calf down before 30 month.
3.1.4 Roughage
Introducing roughage and concentrates at an early age in the diets of calves will help
the rumen to establish micro-flora and development of the rumen, resulting in an
early ability to digest coarse fodders and starchy foods. In this, concentrates are the
most important investment in calf rearing. Calves should be offered only high quality
forages in early life and supplemented with concentrates (calf starter). If hay is used,
it should be of high quality, fine texture, mixed with legumes and fed ad libitum. If
they are on pasture, it would be best to always graze calves ahead of adults to control
parasites.
3.1.5 Water
Water is critical for calf’s rumen development and health. The calf’s body is 72% water.
In hot weather calves can die without water. Drinking water encourages the calf to eat
dry feed early. Feeding milk or milk replacer is not a substitute for water. Calves should
be offered fresh clean and of good quality water in addition to milk. Lack of drinking
water slows down digestion and development of the rumen. Between three weeks
and weaning, calves’ water consumption usually increases and therefore, it should be
available free choice at all time.
Calf feeding schedule is a critical concern on calf management and there are different
schedules of feeding calves (Table 1). When skimmed milk feeding is introduced, an
energy-rich concentrate mixture will be given. Besides these, the calves will start on
good legume hay or early cut green fodder from 2nd weeks onwards. This will stimulate
rumen development and establishments of proper rumen micro-organisms. The calf
to adapt to cheaper roughage feeding at an early stage (Refer Feed and nutrition
management manual for detail information). During 2nd week to one month calves
should be fed milk at approximately 10% of their body weight. Milk can be mixed with
other dairy products (skimmed milk).
The calf has low immunity at birth and therefore must be given colostrum. The colostrum
has antibodies that protect the calf against diseases the cow has been exposed to and
their absorption is highest within 12 hrs after birth and very low after 24 hr. As such
the calf must suckle colostrum immediately after birth and if necessary it should be
given using a nipple bottle. The calf depends on the colostrum antibodies for about
2 weeks when it develops its own immunity. If new animals are introduced into the
herd just before calving, it may be necessary to vaccinate them against the common
diseases so that they can develop antibodies.
The new-born calf is dependent on milk for nutrition and growth in its early life, as
the rumen is not functional. The suckling reflex forms a fold (groove) which serves as
a pipe for delivering milk straight from the esophagus to abomasum in young calves
(by passing fore- stomachs). The suckling reflex of this esophageal groove will only
function when milk is fed at the right temperature, in the right concentration and when
the calf is ready to suckle.
Therefore, young calves should only be fed on liquid diets (the groove will not allow
solids to pass) and milk may never be diluted with water.
Calves secrete high amounts of lactase enzyme (breaks down lactose in milk to glucose
and galactose to supply energy). The other carbohydrate digesting enzymes are low
and therefore, milk which has a high lactose level should be fed to the calves. During
formulation of milk replacers, the energy source should be milk lactose. Calves have
no sucrase enzyme, and should not be fed on sucrose (ordinary sugar).
Since the rumen is not functional, the calf cannot synthesize the B vitamins and they
must be supplied in the diet. The diet of the new-born calf should contain milk proteins
since enzymes to break down complex proteins do not develop until 7-10 days after
birth.
Introduce calf to solid feed. As calf is introduced to solid feed, the rumen starts developing
and the calf can be weaned as soon as it can consume enough dry feed (1.5% of Live
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body weight). It should be noted that dry feed should be introduced early, as solid feed
is required for rumen development. Concentrate based diets promote faster growth of
rumen papillae (which promotes rumen function) compared to roughages.
Weaning is the withdrawal of milk or milk replacer when the calf becomes fully
dependent on other feeds. Traditionally, most dairy calves are weaned based on age,
12 - 16 weeks being the most common. Early weaning is possible if more milk is
fed and calves introduced to pre-starter and starter early in life. To minimize stress,
weaning should be done gradually.
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A calf house floor can be on ground level or raised. If at ground level, the floor should
be made of easily cleanable material (e.g. concrete) and should be bedded using straw.
The sides can be made of concrete or wooden. The raised pens should have a slatted
floor. They are made of timber spaced at 1 inch (25.4 mm) to allow urine and faeces
to fall on the ground. The house should be at least 1 foot (30.5 cm) from the ground.
Calves suckling each other which could lead to ingested hair (tend to form hair
balls), blind teats and removal of disinfectant from umbilical cord.
This type of calf pen is suitable for a zero-grazing unit newborn calves. It is placed
inside the roofed and walled section of the unit. It may be permanent or movable.
· Individual pens for calves from birth to 2 to 3 months of age are often built with an
elevated slatted floor. This floor will ensure that the calf is always dry and clean.
· The required minimum internal dimensions for an individual calf pen are 1200 by
800 mm for a pen where the calf is kept up to two weeks of age, 1200 by l000 mm
where the calf is kept to 6 to 8 weeks of age and 1500 by 1 200 mm where the
calf is kept from 6 to 14 weeks of age. Three sides of the pens should be tight to
prevent contact with other calves and to prevent draughts. Draughts through the
slatted floor may be prevented by covering the floor with litter until the calf is at
least one month of age.
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4. Heifer Management
A heifer is defined as any female calf from six months up to her first calving. Dairy
replacement heifers are usually separated from their mothers (dams) within two days
after birth and managed to achieve specific growth rates throughout the rearing period
until calving at the planned age, weight and body condition (Annex1).
The ultimate aim of dairy heifer management is to produce well developed heifers able
to express full yield potential at the desired calving age, with minimum costs, losses
and health problems, and with the potential to milk for at least 6 lactations
The progressive dairy farmer of today realises more and more that heifers have to
receive the correct type and amount of feed if a high quality dairy cow is to be produced
at a relatively early stage. One can only hope that the practice of leaving weaned
heifers in the open grassland field until near the end of gestation period is something
of the past and less productive through out of their life.
The progress of the herd depends largely on the way in which heifers are managed for
replacement purposes. A sound herd cannot be established by the continual purchased
of new heifers of whose history is not much known. The costs are relatively low when
compared with prices at which heifers are sold. The best way in which the dairy
farmer can determine the efficiency of his managerial programme is by measuring the
performance of his heifers in accordance with accepted standards. Rearing replacement
heifers has not always been seen as a fundamental part of the dairying enterprise
but, when correctly planned and specific feeding programmes have been used overall
improvement in herd longevity and farm profitability results. Feeding and managing
replacement heifers must be given as much priority as dealing with the milking cow
and it must be seen as an investment in tomorrow’s profit generators.
The first essential in heifer rearing is to ensure all calves receive sufficient colostrum
early enough to absorb the very high levels of antibodies. While these antibodies can
only be effectively absorbed by the young calf over the first 24 hours of life, they are
also valuable after this time to protect against infections within the gut.
Feeding a dairy heifer is to develop her into a cow of good size, with a strong constitution
and with the capacity to turn feed into milk efficiently. Heifer calves should continue
to grow steadily from the time they are about 5 months old until they are ready to be
inseminated. But they should not become fat. It is much better to keep them on the
thin side. During this growing period, roughage feeding should be stepped up. If the
heifers are being fed in the barn, increase hay feeding. If they are out for pasture, feed
them some hay in a rack/feeding trough to supplement the pasture.
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When feeding replacement heifers, the farmer should aim to:
· Reduce interval between weaning and first lactation. This will increase number of
calving’s per lifetime (more of lactations) and lead to faster genetic improvement.
· Minimize mortality
· Ensure that heifers reach target live weights for breeding at 13 - 18 months of age.
Heifers can be reared on good quality pasture only as their nutrient requirements are
low (growth and maintenance). Supplementation with concentrate should be at 1%
of body weight. Generally the amount of concentrate given to heifers should be 1 to 4
kg depending on age (size) of the heifer and forage quality. Mineral salt supplement is
recommended on a free-choice basis.
Combining adequate development (230 kg Lwt.) and early age at calving has several
advantages in:
In most farms, heifers are normally the most neglected group in terms of feeding
resulting in delayed calving. When heifers are fed as a group, competition for
concentrate is high related to different ages and aggressiveness. Hence, the young
and weak consume less compared to others.
13
Figure 11 Heart girth and height measurement
Monthly checking the girth of all young stock at the farm will help to monitor the
growth (Low growth indicates most likely that the feeding need to be improved).
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Other factors influencing growth:
· Health
· Stress and Parasites
· Too much exercise on un controlled management on poor grazing land (paddock
without proper grass) may affect growth of the young stock
· In all cases low growth rates the farmer needs to improve his/her management of
the young stock
Example
Take as example a calf born on the 1st of January, its girth is then 70 cm
corresponding with 34 kg of live weight. On the 1st of April, we measure this calf
again; the girth is now 100 cm. corresponding with 91 kg.
This weight gain is reached in 90 days. (From January 1st to April 1st)
The daily weight gain (growth rate) was: 57.000gr. = 633 gr. / day
While designing a feeding schedule for heifers, the following should be considered:
· Feeding heifers too much energy leads to deposition of fat in mammary gland
tissue displacing secretory tissue resulting in reduced milk yield.
The key period in mammary gland development is between 3 and 9 months of age
(mammary tissue is growing 3.5 times faster than body tissue).
· Heifers fed high-concentrate rations develop less milk secretory tissues in the
mammary gland than heifers raised on recommended rations.
· Heifers calving at 24 months have a higher lactation milk yield compared to calving
at an older age.
Heifers should move from a steady growth rate after breeding to a rapidly growing
phase to the last two to three months of pregnancy. Heifers growing rapidly at calving
time, but needing additional growth during the first lactation, were found to be more
persistent milkers than full-sized heifers at calving. The exact amount of concentrate
to feed before calving will depend on forage quality, size, and condition of the heifer.
Weaned heifers do, however, require less attention than milk-fed calves and milking
cows. Dairy heifers need to be well fed between weaning and first calving. If growth
15
rates are not maintained, heifers will not reach their target live weights for mating
and first calving. Undersized heifers have more calving difficulties, produce less milk
and have greater difficulty getting back into calf during their first lactation. When
lactating, they compete poorly with older, bigger cows for feed. Because they are still
growing, they use feed for growth rather than for producing milk. Many studies have
demonstrated the benefits of well-grown heifers in terms of fertility, milk production
and longevity.
Assignment
· The weight gain of this animal from January to May is ……………… Kg.
· The growth rate per day of the whole rearing period is ………………… gr. / day
· The growth rate during the month of April was ……………………… gr. / day
Weighing the calves every month should be done every time at the same
moment of the day. Let’s say in the morning after coffee break. In that situation,
you can expect all animals to have sufficiently eaten after morning feeding.
When you are the owner of the above-mentioned calf would you be satisfied?
In case you measure a girth of 121 cm, how will you read the table? (121 is
in between 118 and 125 cm representing 145 kg. and 170 kg. 7 cm difference
represent 25 kg => every cm represents 3,5 kg weight difference.) The weight of
a calf having a girth of 121 cm is ……………. Kg.
It can be assess the feeding regimes in dairy cattle. Several system has been suggests
but the 1‐5 scoring has been the most used. The animals are scored based on the
protrusion of the hooks (tuber coxae) and the pins (tuber ischii) and the depression
under the tail head (figure 12). And as a rule of thumb the desired and reasonable
body condition scores of dairy cows different accordingly (Table 4).
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Condition scoring is the
visual assessment of the
amount of muscle and
fat covering the bones
of the cattle. It can be
assessed independently
of live weight, gut fill and
pregnancy status and
involves observing specific
points on the animal
Figure 12 Body Condition Score (annex 1).
Body condition affects milk production and reproductive performance. Scoring enables
farmers to compare the condition of their cows with recommended targets. Knowledge
of condition scoring then enables farmers to manage their feeding programs better.
It should be done throughout the year to take account of seasonal variations in feeding
management, but particularly at the following stages of the lactation cycle:
1. At drying off, when cows that is too thin or too fat should be managed to achieve
the target by calving.
2. Just before calving, and if there are still too many thin or fat cows, feeding
management should be changed for future calving.
Anatomically, the female sex organs are ready at birth. However, they do not become
functional until the animal reaches sexual maturity. This is when a heifer ovulates
for the first time and shows the first symptoms of heat, after which the oestrus cycle
begins. This can only takes place once the brain is mature enough to produce enough
hormones to start the sexual cycle. Before sexual maturity symptoms resembling heat
may appear, such as clear discharge from the vulva. This is caused by follicles which
develop but do not ovulate. Sexual maturity does not always mean that a heifer is
ready for pregnancy. If she is inseminated too early her growth may slow down and
she may have parturition problems.
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Age and body weight are important for the onset of sexual maturity in heifers,
body weight is apparently the most important. This means that with improper feeding
sexual maturity delayed. The weight and age at which the first heat appears varies
depending on the breeds. Because sexual maturity can be reached earlier with proper
feeding, the time of first insemination should be chosen according to the size and
development of the body rather than the age of the animal.
The age for bulling depends upon the breed and also upon the requirement of the
desired calving pattern. Certainly the smaller breeds tend to become mature earlier
than the larger breeds but this has to be correlated to the practical demands of the
annual milk production cycle. The onset of puberty, and commencement of cycling, is
related to live weight more than to age. A delay in puberty means later conception.
All heifers should achieve their target weight before joining, because lighter heifers
have lower conception rates. Calving problems depend more on heifer live weights at
mating, than on live weights or body condition at calving. Frame size is determined
early, so there is doubtful merit in the practice of feeding older heifers to make up for
poor growth earlier in life. For detail information see manual of breed improvement
and fertility management.
For example: Friesian heifers mated at live weight below 260 kg had 34% conception
to first insemination compared to 58% for heifers mated weighing 300 kg live weight
or more. Of the smaller heifers, 24% had difficult calvings. This declined to 8% in
heifers mated at 260 to 280 kg and was lowest in 340 to 360 kg heifers.
It is putting a pregnant animal on a high plane of nutrition a few weeks before it gives
birth, that means in case of heifers, it refers to providing extra concentrate to a
pregnant heifer in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy.
This feeding is also intended to allow the rumen bacteria to get accustomed to high
levels of concentrate. It provides extra nutrients for the animal and the growing foetus.
Steaming up also allows the heifer to put on extra weight (reserve energy) to promote
maximum milk production from the very beginning of the lactation. Once heifers are
pregnant, feeding should be adequate to ensure proper development to avoid calving
problems and poor first‐lactation yield.
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Pregnant heifers may be maintained on good quality forage alone but concentrates
should be given if the forage is of low quality. During the last two months of pregnancy,
the feeding regime can affect milk production during the first lactation.
As rule of thumb the heifer should be fed concentrate at 1 percent of body weight
starting at about 6 weeks before calving with a ration balanced in protein, minerals,
and vitamins.
Feeding concentrates allows the rumen bacteria to get used to digesting high levels
of concentrate, which is very important during early lactation. Excess salt intakes can
contribute to udder oedema and should be avoided the last 2 weeks before calving.
Underfed or poorly grown heifers also will require more assistance at calving and have
a higher death rate at calving than normal sized heifers. Ssee the dairy cattle feeding
and nutrition management manual for the detail information.
Heifers from about weaning age to breeding age are to be housed separately from the
suckling calves. Generally no male calves are kept on farm beyond six months of age.
When a large number of young stock is there, they should be divided in to different
age groups and each group housed separately. When the number of young stock is
small, the young stock shed may be an extension of the dry animal shed or it may be
a separate unit near to it.
The shed shall be constructed in a simple row of sheds facing each other. The
constructional details of young stock sheds are the same as for cow sheds except for
the difference in dimension of the mangers and water troughs (Tables 6 and 7), for the
details see dairy animal housing and manure management.
Cows 7 3.5
Calves up to 3 month 2 1
3-6 month 3 2
6-12 month 4.5 2
Bull pen 30 12
Source: HARC, 2016
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4.6 Dairy heifers management to reduce stress
Grouping dairy heifers with mature cows soon after calving often results in stress
caused by initial interactions with older, more dominant cows and the re-establishment
of hierarchies which can seriously affect performance. Care should be taken during
introduction of heifer to a herd.
· Where possible, heifers should be kept as a separate milking group for at least the
first four months of the lactation – promoting fair competition at the feed trough
and allowing them to continue growing so they reach their peak yield and get back
into calf before having to compete with older animals
· Heifers should always be kept in a recently calved group and not mixed with the
herd until at least five days after calving
· Initial introduction into the herd should take place after the afternoon or evening
milking when cows are less socially active.
· Accustoming heifers to the milking prior to calving has also been shown to encourage
milk production by reducing their fear.
· Although separating the calf within 24 hours of birth is less stressful and easier to
manage, there is evidence that heifers that are allowed to suckle their calves for
eight weeks experience a more complete milk let down, improving whole lactation
yields.
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5. Common young stock diseases and health management
A. Calf Scours
Signs
ü Dilute in 3 liters lukewarm water (9 soda bottles):1 teaspoon of table salt and 1
teaspoon of baking powder
Ø Day 1: replace milk for the above solution and feed this in 3 feedings of 1 liter (3
soda bottles each time)
Ø Day 2: Start feeding 1-1.5 litre of milk again and make a new solution and continue
treatment. Wait with feeding the solution for at least 1 hour after feeding milk.
Ø Day 3: make a new solution and feed 3 times a day and also feed 2 liters of water
two times on day three
B. Dermatitis
It is an inflammation of the skin due to direct contact with irritants, allergens from bite
of ectoparasites, trauma and burn. It is the disease of commonly young animals.
Clinical Signs
ü Itching
ü Wet skin
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Treatment
C. Photosensitization
It refers to hyper sensitivity of lightly coloured skin to sun light. The disease also may
arise from consumption of photosensitive plants like phylloerythrin or some times from
liver disease.
Clinical signs
Treatment:
D. Salmonellosis
It is the most important and common bacterial disease of young animals characterized
by septicaemia, acute enteritis and chronic enteritis. The common sources of infection
are stress, warm and moist environment and inappropriate storage highly portentous
feeds like bone meal, meat meal in the garbage.
Clinical signs
ü Dullness
ü Severe dehydration
Treatment
Control measures
Vaccination
22
E. Pneumonia
Clinical signs
ü Absence of rumination
ü Ivermictin 1%
23
F. Ectoparasitic infestation
Young animals are mostly infested by ectoparasites like ticks, fleas and lice because
they stay most of the time on bedding material which is favourable environment for
multiplication of these parasites.
ü Changing the bedding material every 1-2 weeks to break the life cycle of parasites
There are also some anatomical disorders that may occur congenitally in new born
calves. In such cases consult veterinarians for required surgical corrections.
Raising healthy heifers is important in all dairy production systems as health affects
growth rate, fertility and hence age at first calving and milk production. Losses are also
incurred in form of veterinary costs and death limiting the opportunity for selection
of high quality animals and/or sales. Most of the common diseases affecting calves
are also important in heifer rearing and have been dealt with in the dairy health
management and breed improvement and fertility management manuals.
Date of birth
24
References
Lukuyu B, Gachuiri CK, Lukuyu MN, Lusweti C and Mwendia S (eds). 2012: Feeding
dairy cattle in East Africa. East Africa Dairy Development Project, Nairobi, Kenya.
Marri Heinonen, 1989: Artificial Insemination of cattle in Ethiopia MOA, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.
Moran John Dairy Adviser, DPIV, Senior Kyabram, 120 Cooma Rd, Kyabram, Department
of Primary Industries, 2005: Feeding Management for Small Holder Dairy Farmers in
the Humid Tropics Victoria, 3620 Australia
25
Annex
Age at first calving for indigenous cattle types and heir crosses.
Age at first calving
Genotype Source
(Months)
Borana 41.50 Arnason and Kassa, 1987
Borana 45.20 Mekonnen, 1987
Borana 46.80 Mekonnen et al.,1993
Borana 47.00 Trail et al., 1985
Horro 50.00 McDowell, 1971
Horro 53.00 Zewdu, 2004
Arsi 32.80 Enyew et al., 1998
Arsi 34.40 Kiwuwa et al., 1983
Arsi 32.82 Enyew et al., 1992
Arsi 34.00 Zewdu, 2004
Friesian x Borana (F1) 31.50 Mekonnen,1994
¾ Friesian x Borana 32.70 Mekonnen,1994
Friesian x Borana (F1) 36.00 Sendros et al., 2004a
Jersey x Borana (F1) 35.40 Sendros et al., 2004a
Friesian x Borana (F1) 44.02 Kefena et al., 2006
Jersey x Borana (F1) 38.76 Kefena et al., 2006
Source: OARI, 2010
Intensive rearing
- Growth monitoring
26
Example
New situation rearing in 30 month AFC (Age at First Calving) compared to present
situation of 40 months. Milk price 10 Birr, concentrate price 8 Birr
At present animals are probably calving down for the first time at 40+ months and still
have to start production.
Due to older age at calving milk production capacity is lost and less calves are born. Most
likely the level of production is lower due to poor rearing. Finally, the life-production
per animal will be higher saving much more rearing costs because less young stock is
need to keep the herd on number.
Note: if the circumstances and feed quality allows the target can even go down to 24
months AFC.
27
Young Stock Management
Training Gideline For Dairy Extension Workers
28
Young Stock Management Training Guide
Introduction
The module Rearing dairy replacement heifers is part of the Working Package “Business
Management” introduced By SNV Ethiopia as part of the EDGET Project.
One of the EDGET project objectives is to make small holders dairy farms more aware
about “commercial farming”. The Module Rearing dairy replacement heifers will help
extension workers to acquire the knowledge and skills to make basic decisions which
will enable them to improve the performance on calf rearing of enterprises present on
small holder farms. Calf rearing is the basis for good cow production performance.
Professional situation
As an extension worker usually have to advise small holder farms on how to manage
their livestock in the most optimal way. As an extension worker you should be able
to clearly identify which kind of practices at farm level will lead to the best possible
technical results.
Dairy farms depend for the productivity of their animals on regular calving of the cows.
Besides that cows need to be replaced by young animals at the end of their productive
life. The female calves born from the cows are most likely ones to be reared to keep
the herd on level or even growing.
Calf rearing is an investment in a female animal in to make it produce milk for sale.
A direct consequence of this statement is that for dairy bull calves born on the farm
another choice must be made.
As an extension worker you have the knowledge, skills and innovations to manage
each of these enterprises in the most optimal way and you have the motivation and
“drive” to convince small holder farmers to improve on their knowledge and skills in
order to improve rearing of heifer calves into well developed and high producing dairy
cows.
As an extension workers you are able to recognize signs of an approaching birth,
abnormal positions, give support during calving and handle the just born calve. You can
support the farmer is proper feeding practices, health control and growth monitoring.
You are able to recognize health problems and know how to (ask for) support (in)
health care.
As an extension worker you are also able to explain the benefits of good calf rearing,
how it can lead to earlier returns on investment and a higher (life) production.
You will also be able to explain what kind of recordkeeping will help the farmer to
monitor calf rearing.
You will be able to explain small holder farmers what it means to become a specialized
dairy farmer.
But you (and the owner) have other responsibilities as well; how to deal with
environmental and social issues. In the end any business is only really sustainable if it
is taking into account the three P’s; People, Planet & Profit.
29
Required entry qualification
To take part in this module on Management you should comply with the following entry
requirements:
· Competent in skills on animal feeding, health control, record keeping and calculation
a. At the end of the course participants are able to recognize approaching birth, support a
cow calving down, take care of the just born calf. They can monitor sufficient feeding,
health care, growth objectives in order to realize calving down of the animal at the
previously set age of first calving in the right body condition and body weight using
record keeping on animal registration, feeding, health, growth and inseminations.
During the course one assessment will be conducted to measure the competence level
of the participants to advise a small holder farm on his/ her calf rearing performances.
The assessment will be a group assignment. The group (maximum 5-6 persons) will
have to visit an assigned small holder farm and implement the following tasks:
30
Activities
All activities of this module are done in a real farm environment having cows and
young stock of different age as well as a classroom available.
31
B. Calf rearing Lesson matrices and trainer guidelines
Lesson Matrix
# Topic / Serial
Practical Lesson Lesson 1 Calf rearing
Date
Venue
Duration day/ Day 1 of the Course 1
Type of students EDGET Extension Workers
Number of students Maximum 8
Starting situation Students have very little or no experience with calf rearing
Outcomes :The student is able to
Skills .Recognize and separate a cow, approaching to calf down, from the herd-
Recognize a normal progress in the calving down process, and normal-
.position of the unborn calf
Support calving down process, and use materials in the proper way-
Feel up a calving cow in case the position is abnormal-
Recognize abnormal position and call in veterinarian support if necessary-
Caretaking of the jus born calf and properly feed colostrum-
Knowledge Explain benefits of maternity area and how to take hygiene measures in-
.it
Explain normal birth process, and how to support it-
Explain how to make use of support materials during normal calving-
Explain when to call in the veterinarian-
Explain how to treat and feed the just born calf-
Attitude Convince farmers that care taking during the calving down process of the
cow and just born calf is essential in successful calf rearing
32
Time in Brief Content Role trainer Teaching aids Role/activities
minutes /didactical Participants
methods
30 -Opening of the Course, -Explaining/ -Module Book -Listening,
getting acquainted with guiding/ making introduction of
each other, explanation trainees feel at themselves, asking
Module Book and Course ease questions, answering
Objectives questions
30 -Sharing experiences -Asking for -Example Farm -Sharing experiences
with calf rearing experiences -Calf rearing -Participate in
-Introduction into calf to get an idea manual example explanation
rearing about student
-Check contents of
level
-Distribution lesson Manual
materials.
60 -Explanation “Cow -Explaining -PPT -Observing theory
handling around calving”. theory + -Manual -Checking practical
- assignments examples
-exercises
-Asking questions
-Study theory
20 Break
60 -Explanation on how to -Explaining -Real farm
recognize and support theory + situation -Farm practical
the calving down process practical -Worksheets -Asking questions
of a cow assignment
-Manual -Fill out worksheets
-Practical assignment
20 Break
120 -Practical at farm -explanation -Real farm -Practical exercises
of practical situation -Asking questions
approach -all materials -Practice skills
needed for good
practices
33
LESSON Day 1:
Required materials:
2. Introduction
- Introduce topic “cow handling around calving” on White Board (WB) or Black Board
(BB) + PPT make example assignments.
- Assignment:
· discuss Exercises
- homework
4. Evaluation:
34
Lesson Matrix
Topic / Serial #
Practical Lesson Lesson 2 Calf rearing
Date
Venue
Duration 1 day/ Day 2 of the Course
Type of students EDGET Extension Workers
Suggested number of 8
students
Starting situation Students have very little or no experience with calf rearing
Outcomes The student is able to:
Skills -Measure the girth of a calf and convert the girth to body weight
-Calculate growth rate based on available information
-Feed calves right amount of milk, roughage and concentrates
-Recognize health
-Advise a farmer to optimize calf rearing
Knowledge -Explain benefits of growth measurements for proper rearing.
-Explain ration composition to cover requirements for good growth
-Explain the need of treatments and preventive health care
-Explain when and why to call in the veterinarian in case results are
below standard
Attitude Convince farmers that monitoring growth and preventive healthcare
is important and economic in successful calf rearing
35
Time in Brief Content Role trainer Teaching aids Role/activities
minutes /didactical Participants
methods
10 -Recap day one - guiding - -Listening, asking
making trainees questions, answering
feel at ease questions
36
LESSON Day 2:
Feeding the calves properly, monitor growth and health. Do record keeping.
Required materials:
2. Introduction
37
5. End of day 2
Lesson Matrix
Topic / Serial #
Practical Lesson Day 3 calf rearing
Date
Venue
Duration 1 day/ day 3 of the Course (Farm visits; 2 farms per group)
Type of students EDGET Extension Workers
Suggested num- 8
ber of students
Starting situation Students have very little or no experience with calf rearing
Outcomes The student is able to:
Skills -Make an analysis of present calf rearing at any farm by using growth
calculation and record analyses
-Use the analyses to advise farmers to optimize.
-Use the calculated benefits of optimization to convince small holder
farmers and adopt the optimization practices.
Knowledge -Explain how growth is calculated
-Explain the advantages of better calf rearing
-Explain how to use record keeping as a tool.
-Explain how farm (value)output will improve due to better rearing
Attitude Convince farmers that for commercialization of their small holder
farms calf rearing is an essential part of farm management
38
Lesson Matrix
Topic / Serial #
Practical Lesson Day 4 Calf rearing
Date
Venue
Duration 1 day/ Day 4 of the Course
Type of students EDGET Extension Workers
Suggested number of 8
students
Starting situation Students have very little or no experience with calf rearing
Outcomes The student is able to:
Skills -Collect required information to work out calf rearing practices
and technical results present on small holder farms
-Prepare to present and explain small holder farms how they
perform in calf rearing and advise them on optimization of calf
rearing on their farm
-Prepare to Introduce new calf rearing approach, making use of
objectives, monitoring method and active (preventive) health
care.
Knowledge -Explain farmers calf rearing method
-Explain farmers monitoring and record keeping
-Explain farmers how to monitoring preventive health care
Attitude Convince farmers that calf rearing is an essential part of
farm management, and that a planned approach, making use
of targets supported by recordkeeping will lead to better
economics.
39
Time in Brief Content Role trainer Teaching aids Role/activities Par-
minutes /didactical ticipants
methods
120 Students work out Guidance and Collected infor- Formulate advise per
observations of two coaching mation class- farm
farms visited room, internet,
Students come to an flipcharts
advise to the farmers
30 Break
120 Students work out -Guidance and -target farms -Preparing handout
the farm approach coaching
of the different exer-
cise assignments per
group
60 Lunch
120 Students work out -Guidance and -target farms -Preparing handout
the farm approach coaching - preparing Record-
of the different exer- keeping aids
cise assignments per
group
120 Different groups Guiding and -group discus- -common message to
come to one shared coaching sion farmers supported by
approach on calf Handouts and record-
rearing at target keeping aids for dif-
farms ferent aspects of good
calf rearing practices
Lesson Matrix
Topic / Serial #
Practical Lesson Day 5 Calf rearing
Date
Venue
Duration 1 day/ Day 5 of the Course
Type of students EDGET Extension Workers
Suggested number of stu- 8
dents
Starting situation Students have very little or no experience with calf rearing
Outcomes The student is able to:
Skills -Present and explain small holder farms how they perform in calf
rearing and advise them on optimization of calf rearing on their farm
-Introduce new calf rearing approach, making use of objectives,
monitoring method and active (preventive) health care.
Knowledge -Explain farmers calf rearing method
-Explain farmers monitoring and record keeping
-Explain farmers how to monitoring preventive health care
Attitude Convince farmers that for commercialization of their small holder
farms calf rearing is an essential part of farm management
40
Time in Brief Content Role trainer Teaching aids Role/activities Par-
minutes /didactical ticipants
methods
120 Students prepare for -Guidance and -target farms -Preparing presentation
presentation coaching
41
C. Calf Rearing:
Calf rearing Exercise 1
1.
2.
3.
A B
4. Make a shortlist of all possible materials a farmer must have available to monitor
and support the calving down process in a hygienical and safe way
If no calving’s take place at the farm during lesson time, make use of the internet to find
related video’s and watch them! [Link]
Birth support
How to put on the rope to the legs of the unborn calf? and how to connect the sticks
to pull??
When birth support must be given, there is little time to finish the job. Therefor it is
necessary to know how to deal with the materials “blindly”.
· Discuss how, and test on one and other the available materials for birth support.
· Write down how to deal with the materials before and after to maintain hygiene
also for the next time you need it.
· Decide on how to communicate one clear message to farmers and make a protocol
Poster.
Difficult births
In most cases (95%+) everything will be normal, this includes a reverse birth position.
Still a reverse birth is most of the time more difficult and risky for the calf and cow.
Note what risks and difficulties are involved in a ‘normal’ reverse calving.
43
Difficult and abnormal birth positions are shown below. These are just examples.
Another abnormality that sometimes occurs is a twisted Uterus. This means that the
birth channel is blocked due to one or more twists of the Uterus. In these cases, it is
not possible to feel up the position of the calf because of this blockade.
When the birth process takes too long or when you observe abnormalities it is wise to
do a feel up inside the birth channel. Maintain proper hygiene when you do this!
Discuss within the group how to deal with the different situation show in the picture,
and decide in which cases you need support of a veterinarian.
Note if and how you will communicate this with small holder farmers.
In case a calf is born revers, there is always the risk that lungs are full of moist.
Note how the mother cow after a natural birth is stimulating the calf to activate (start
breathing).
44
What other possibilities can a farm worker add in case the calf needs extra stimulation?
In natural behaviour, the calf will stand up 30-60 minutes after being born and tries to
find one of the teats to drink milk (colostrum).
Still the calf needs 1,5 litre of colostrum as soon as possible, but within half an hour
after birth (even in the middle of the night) This should be fed, warm and from its
own mother!
Explain why feeding colostrum is one of the most important moments in calf rearing.
45
Calf rearing Exercise 4
Colostrum: start immediately and repeat often (3-4 times per day) so the calf will
drink => MUCH!
A dairy farmer opts for milk to sell. This means that the milk needed for calf rearing
competes with milk to be sold. Still good calf rearing is the bases for a well reared dairy
cow in the future.
Discuss in the group the essence of feeding whole milk to a calf to be reared for
replacement. Also, discuss if and what kind of alternatives are available and reachable
for small holder farmers in Ethiopia.
In natural situations, a calf might drink milk from its mother for a period of 9 months
or even longer.
By making use of good quality concentrates, and under good housing conditions it is
possible to realize good and healthy growth rates with limited milk input.
Discuss the feeding program as given in the handout within the group and find out how
it can be implemented in the Ethiopian situation. Where to get the concentrates, what
kind of roughage etc.
Compare your findings with the common practices at smallholder farms and write
down were changes must be introduced.
Note: Include in your group discussion what is the best way to deal with the bull
calves.
Calf rearing is an investment for replacement stock => future milk production.
If bull calves stay in the farm as swell they will also need milk, which is basically cash
output of the dairy farm, so they compete with milk sales.
What is the economical consequence of feeding milk to bulls, or is there even profit by
bull fattening to expect? Are there alternatives like selling the bulls at young age,…?
46
Calf rearing Exercise 5
Monitoring growth
Feeding
Feeding and disease management are of great influence to growth of young stock.
In chapter 3 and 4 of the ‘Young stock Management manual’ some information is given
about feed requirements and (preventive) disease control.
Discuss in the group how a smallholder farmer can feed the growing young stock
according to requirement (table). Make use of available information (internet or locally)
about possible intake, digestibility and feeding values of available feeds (roughages
and concentrates).
Write down the suggested ration for an animal of 180 kg. life weight (separate paper)
Discuss in the group all suggested treatments and vaccinations at chapter 5 of the
‘Young stock Management manual’. Decide upon a suitable program for the Ethiopian
situation.
How is the present situation for farmers in your area according to accessibility to
(preventive) care?
Make a treatment and vaccination plan suitable for Ethiopia and discuss how to
implement it at the small holder farms. (separate paper)
Monitoring growth
Fill out the table below as complete as possible based on the available farm information
Calf Date Birth Girth Present body Growth per day Previous Previous Growth per day
weight weight since birth gr./ Weighing weight in since previous
Name / nr. of birth in kg. in cm. in kg. day date kg. weighing gr./day
If not: discuss within your group how to improve availability of information, and give
suggestions for a uniformed way for smallholders to administrate. (record
keeping system)
47
D. Assignment Calf rearing
During the course one assessment will be conducted to measure the competence level
of the participants to advise a small holder farm on good cow handling around calving,
and monitoring good calf rearing practices for replacement stock. The assessment will
be a group assignment. The groups (5 - 6 persons) will have to visit some assigned
small holder farms and implement the following tasks:
Trainer – student interaction leading to set: “Objectives in calf rearing in the dairy
sector of Ethiopia”
Groups of 5 - 6 persons have been formed, in cooperation with the trainer you analyze
a present farm situation at a farm where animals of all rearing ages are present.
How to look, how to collect information and how to develop an opinion on the present
situation.
During the day within the formed groups you make a list of important observations,
materials needed and farm information needed.
· Discuss with your group members the assignment and divide tasks among the
members
· Decide upon the additional information to be given by the small holder farmer
about calf rearing related issues.
· Organize brief meeting with the farmer and his/ her family during which the group
introduces themselves and explains the exercise and purpose of the visit.
· Requests the farmer and family to show the dairy farm, and to give the needed
information of individual animals, farm practices, availability of feedstuffs on your
request
· Organize your own observations and measurements (during farm tour) in presence
of the farmer and write down the information.
· Give some brief information on your intentions of using the collected information.
· At the end of the interview thank the farmer and the family for their time and
information and invite them to attend the presentation of the results and advice for
two days later.
48
Day four
· Work out the gathered information on calf rearing of the two farms separately.
· Give your comments, find out if the two farmers can learn something from one
another.
· Work out your comments into an advice for the farmer on calf rearing practices.
· Support your advice with a motivation based on its consequences in farm practices.
What to change, what investment or direct costs are involved, and what to expect
in return.
· This day your trainer is available for interaction, discussion and questions.
Day five
· Each group prepares a presentation (in were every group member takes part) the
presentation contains at least:
The results per farm compared to the objectives set on day one
· Each group prepares an advice sheet on “Good calf rearing practices” as a handout
for the farmers containing practical tips (and tools) on one A4 paper.
· After morning tea break the presentation is held for the whole group of participant
as well as the invited farmers (time allowance 30 minutes).
· There is time for interaction between group and farmers after each presentation
(10 minutes)
· The presentation content and the advice sheet are directly after presentation
submitted to the trainer for assessment (digitally!)
49
E. Assessment:
· Each group receives a group score for their presentation (ppt. content) and advice
sheet.
· Each group member receives an individual score for their individual presentation.
· Assessment results will be discussed with the groups the same day.
3. Data collection
- Data collection / relevant
- Accuracy of data
4. Analyses of the collected data
- Fact value of outcome
- Identification / importance of con-
straints
5. Proposal for improvement
- Technical description of the proposal
- Motivation of choices made
- Impact of the proposal investments /
benefits
- Needed skills / knowledge for suc-
cessful implementation
6. Quality of the Report
- Language
- Level (for farmer)
- Lay out
50
For each main item, the group can score between 1 and 5 points (1= very poor, 5 =
excellent)
Observer: ........................................................................................................
Date: ..............................................................................................................
51
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[Link]
The use of monitoring tools and growth records is significant in optimizing calf rearing on smallholder farms as these tools allow for the assessment of growth patterns, health status, and overall performance. Growth records help identify issues early, allowing for timely interventions which increase the effectiveness of rearing strategies. By implementing these tools, farmers can make data-driven decisions, thereby improving the management of resources, enhancing herd productivity, and achieving more consistent production outcomes .
Practical approaches in calf rearing courses enhance farmer training by providing hands-on experience and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge. This method fosters better understanding and retention of best practices, enabling farmers to recognize and implement proper calf handling, feeding, and health management. By engaging in practical exercises, farmers become more confident in their skills, leading to higher compliance with recommended practices and ultimately improved farm outputs .
Correct housing conditions for heifers are vital as they impact the animals' health, growth, and development. Proper housing ensures protection from environmental extremes, reduces stress, and minimizes exposure to pathogens. Space allocation is crucial, as overcrowding can lead to competition for resources, affecting growth rates. Adequate space per heifer allows for free movement, promotes muscle development, and supports proper growth .
Transitioning calves from milk to solid feed should be done by introducing dry feed early to promote rumen development. The calf starts developing its own rumen functionality as it begins to consume dry feed. Concentrate-based diets are particularly important as they promote faster growth of rumen papillae, enhancing rumen function, compared to roughages. This gradual introduction is crucial for weaning, which is the withdrawal of milk as soon as the calf can consume enough dry feed (1.5% of body weight).
'Steaming up' pregnant heifers refers to providing extra nutrition a few weeks before birth to ensure the animal has sufficient nutrients for itself and the foetus. This practice allows rumen bacteria to adjust to high concentrate levels, which helps in maximizing milk production from the onset of lactation. However, if not managed properly, excessive salt intake can lead to udder edema, and inadequate or imbalanced feeding may result in calving difficulties and lower survival rates for newborns .
Colostrum is critical for newborn calves as it contains antibodies that protect the calf against diseases the cow has been exposed to. Its absorption is most effective within the first 12 hours after birth and significantly decreases after 24 hours. This is crucial because the calf has low immunity at birth and relies on colostrum antibodies for protection for about two weeks until it develops its own immunity .
Adequate feeding of replacement heifers is essential for developing them into cows of good size and strong constitution, capable of efficient milk production. It can improve herd longevity and farm profitability by enhancing genetic improvement, increasing disease control, and reducing mortality. Optimizing the growth rate and minimizing the interval between weaning and first lactation leads to more lactations per lifetime, thereby increasing productivity and quicker genetic gains .
Minimizing stress during calf weaning is important because stress can compromise the calf's immune system and lead to growth setbacks. Strategies to mitigate stress include gradual weaning by simultaneously reducing milk feeding while increasing solid feed intake, maintaining consistent routines, and conducting weaning in familiar environments. Providing adequate nutrition and monitoring the calves closely for signs of distress during the transition can also alleviate weaning stress .
Early growth rate in heifers is crucial as it correlates with their future milk production and calving success. Achieving a consistent growth rate ensures that heifers reach the development milestones necessary for orderly breeding, leading to successful first calvings. Proper growth supports the capacity for efficient milk production as good development leads to stronger, more productive cows. Challenges in early growth can result in delayed reproductive maturity and compromised milk yields in later life .
Strategies to ensure even feeding among heifers include grouping animals by size and age to minimize competition and ensure equitable access to feed. Implementing a system of feeding concentrates and roughages separately can help to manage intake better. Providing multiple feeding troughs can reduce competition, and using individual feeding stations where possible can ensure each heifer receives the correct amount of feed according to its nutritional needs .