Checklist and tips
When selecting or receiving young calves it is important to ensure healthy Holstein bull calves are purchased. Important points to consider include:
- Calves should be over 40kg and never under 35kg. Lighter calves have been shown to grow more slowly and to present more animal health problems later in life.
- Calves should have received at least two litres of good quality colostrum. Insufficient or poor quality colostrum at birth is a major factor affecting calf health and risk of mortality throughout life, and can lead to significant veterinary and medical costs. If in doubt calves can be tested for immuno-gamma-globulin levels or colostrum testers can be purchased.
- A healthy calf has a shiny coat, supple skin, a clean damp nose, alert pricked ears and bold bright eyes.
- Immediate signs of an unhealthy calf are diarrhoea, wet or thickened navels, heavy breathing and physical defects.
- Be aware of coccidiosis. This is difficult to spot in younger calves but knowledge of the source of calves will give an indication as to whether preventative action can be taken.
- Illnesses present in one week old calves include navel ill or hernia, heart defects (panting after feeding), scour, joint-ill, diphtheria, pneumonia and congenital cataracts. For further information see Illness & Disease.
- Common conditions in calves between one and 12 weeks of age include all of the above as well as lice, ringworm and pneumonia (very important). For further information see Illness & Disease.
Enquire about the history of the calves including any vaccinations, antibiotics or vitamin injections previously received.
