When you visit a cattle farm, one of the easiest ways to know if it’s well managed is by looking at the calves. Healthy, strong, and lively calves are a sign that the farmer is doing things right from breeding and feeding to hygiene and housing. There’s a saying among experienced farmers: “Show me your calves, and I’ll tell you how your farm is run.”

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about calf management from birth to weaning, to help you raise healthy animals and build a strong herd for the future.

Why Calf Management Is So Important?

The future of your dairy or beef business depends on how well your calves grow. Poor management can lead to:

• High death rates
• Stunted growth
• Delayed maturity
• Low milk or meat production 

Good calf care doesn’t start at birth, but it starts even before the calf is born.

Step 1: Before the Calf Is Born (Breeding & Pregnancy)

Choose the Right Sire

The quality of your calves begins with the bull or sire. Choose bulls with:

• High milk or beef productivity
• Disease resistance
• Good body structure

Avoid using bulls with known genetic problems that can affect the calf’s health.

Care for the Pregnant Cow

•  Dry off the cow two months before calving (around seven months of pregnancy). This gives her time to rest and prepare for the next lactation.
•  “Steam up” the cow by feeding her energy-rich feed about 2–3 weeks before delivery to support calving and improve milk let-down.

Step 2: At Calving (Birth Process)

Calving happens in three stages. It’s important to understand these to know when to assist and when to call a veterinarian.

Cervical Dilation (4–24 hours)

•  A cow shows signs like restlessness, tail raising, and mucus discharge.
•  Provide a quiet, clean space and monitor from a distance.

Delivery of the Calf (1–2 hours)

•  The calf should ideally come out with its front legs and head first.
•  If labor takes too long or the calf is in the wrong position, call a veterinarian immediately.
•  If you must assist, always pull towards the udder, not upwards.
•  Use a calf jack (only if trained) when manual pulling fails.

Placenta Expulsion (within 12 hours)

• If the placenta is not expelled.    Within this time, it can cause infection. Seek veterinary help.

Step 3: Newborn Calf Care

 1. First Breaths & Stimulation

• Let the cow lick the calf; it helps stimulate breathing.
•  If the calf isn’t breathing, pour cold water on its head or swing it gently to clear the airway.

2. Colostrum Is Gold!

•  Feed colostrum (first milk) within 30 minutes to 1 hour of birth.
• It contains vital antibodies and nutrients that protect the calf.
• Amount: At least 10% of the calf’s body weight daily.

 3. Navel Disinfection

• Dip the umbilical cord in iodine to prevent infections.

Step 4: Calf Housing (Keep It Clean and Dry)

A good calf shelter is just as important as feeding.

Ideal Calf Pen

• Leak-proof roof and proper drainage
•  Dry, clean bedding (preferably hay, not fresh green grass)
•  Enough space: At least 5×7 feet per calf
•  Separate pens for each calf to prevent disease spread
•  Clean water and feeding containers

Step 5: Feeding and Weaning

Milk Feeding

•  Feed milk using a clean bucket or bottle. Avoid allowing calves to suckle directly from the mother.
•  Always warm the milk before feeding to avoid digestion issues.

Introduce Solid Feeds

•  Start offering calf starter feed (like pellets or soaked maize) from around 1 week old.
• Encourage them to nibble — it helps with early rumen development.

Weaning (At 2–4 Months)

•  Begin reducing milk gradually as solid feed intake increases.
•  Before weaning, ensure calves are dewormed and protected from ticks.

Step 6: Basic Calf Handling Practices

Identification (Tagging)

•  Use ear tags to keep records of birth, treatment, and growth.

Disbudding and Dehorning

•  Disbudding is best at 15–20 days old using hot iron or caustic paste.
• Dehorning older calves requires more care and treatment afterward.

Castration

• Castrate male calves at 2–3 months using a Burdizzo or surgical method.
• Avoid the rainy season due to fly infestation.

Step 7: Hygiene, Parasite Control, and Health

Keep the Area Clean

•  Clean pens daily.
• Remove wet bedding and waste.

Tick and Worm Control

•  Spray or dip calves with acaricides for tick control (as advised).
•  Deworm at 1 month of age or older, depending on health and vet advice.
• . A farmer can now vaccinate against ticks with the new NAROVAC Anti-tick vaccine

Keep Records

Good records help track:

•  Birth dates
•  Growth and weight
• Vaccinations
•  Treatments

They are useful for selecting the best animals and applying for support programs like NAADS.

Common Calf Diseases to Watch Out For

Calf Scours (Diarrhea)

• Signs: Watery stool, weak calf, sunken eyes
• Causes: Poor hygiene, feeding errors, or lack of colostrum
• First Aid: Reduce milk, give warm salt-sugar water, and consult a vet

Pneumonia

• Signs: Coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing
•  Prevention: Good housing, avoid overcrowding, and vaccinate when necessary.

Calf Vaccination Tips

•  Start vaccinating at 2–3 months
•  Use vaccines for clostridial diseases and respiratory infections
• Always follow your vet’s advice on booster shots

Final Thoughts.

Raising healthy calves is not about luck; it’s about consistency, care, and good planning. Whether you’re running a large dairy farm or managing a few animals, strong calf management lays the foundation for a productive, disease-free, and profitable herd.

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