Management of calves from birth to weaning

1. Clean the calf by removing the mucus membranes from the calf in case the mother fails
2. Disinfect the umbilical cord using Dettol and tie it to stop tetanus infection
3. In case the calf fails to breath normally, artificial respiration should be initiated
4. Leave the calf with the mother to ensure that it takes colostrum
5. In case of artificial rearing, the calf should be trained to drink from the bucket within two days after birth
6. Feed the calf on clean milk at least twice a day
7. Provide plenty of clean drinking water at all times of the day
8. Provide roughage to the calf at the age of about 2 weeks to facilitate rumen development
9. Towards weaning, introduce milk replacers to save milk for the market
10. Carry out identification of the calf at least 2 weeks after birth
11. Male calves that are not going to participate in the breeding program should be castrated in the 4^th week from birth
12. Calves should be dehorned using the hot iron method in the second week
13. Deworm calves regularly to control internal worms that affect growth
14. Vaccinate calves against killer diseases to reduce mortality
15. Clean the pen regularly by removing dirty litter so as to reduce infections
16. Wean the calves at about 2 months after attaining the right weight

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Dr. Bbosa Science