The key points for sourcing, rearing and weaning calves

The Beef Edge

With calving kicking off on many dairy farms, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, discusses the key areas you need to focus on from sourcing calves and rearing up to weaning.

There are over 2,500 calves reared across the country on dairy beef farms and Tommy highlights that, in addition to the physical health of the calf, it is important to look at the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) to get an insight into the genetic make-up of the calf.

After transporting the calf, electrolytes are given for its first feed and the calf is monitored. Tommy discusses the feeding regime and getting the rumen set up for the grazing season ahead.

While ventilation is important in the calf shed it is critical to avoid any draughts. Early diagnosis and disease prevention are important to the lifelong health of the calf. Tommy outlines a number of protocols being carried out on farms.

The welfare & safety of the farmer has to be addressed also and Tommy discusses ways to reduce labour and stress and increase safety in the system.

CalfCare Events

CalfCare events are held each January to keep farmers informed of best practice husbandry and management practices to deliver best performance from calves in their care. Rearing healthy calves has always been the focus of CalfCare events and 2024 will be no different, but for the first time, a new dimension will be introduced as beef farmers rearing dairy beef calves will host some of the events.

Both beef and dairy farm performance is built on the foundation of good calf rearing and all farmers rearing calves are encouraged to attend to prepare for 2024 rearing period.

Topics to be discussed include:

- Calf health management

- Managing calves for sale

- Optimal calf housing

- Pre-weaning nutrition

For further details visit:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/CalfCare-Events/

Upcoming DairyBeef 500 webinars

The first webinar is taking place on Tuesday, 16th January, and will focus on Preparation for Calf Rearing in 2024, while the second webinar, taking place on Tuesday, 30th January, will focus on Sourcing and Feeding Dairy Beef Calves in 2024.

For more, go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
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