There is no right way to raise a calf. What works best for your farm may not work for others. However, observing consistent calf care and protocol ensures excellent health for your newborn calf. Proper management minimizes sicknesses and lowers calf mortality rate. 

On the other hand, developing a successful calf care program requires understanding calf nutrition, growth, behaviour, and health. The first hour of a calf's birth, popularly known to farmers as the "Golden Hour," is the most essential part of a calf care program. It is also essential to the calf's overall health and growth. 

Caring for a newborn calf is straightforward, but only if you understand the basic requirements. Furthermore, providing the right temperature and humidity in your calf's housing is advisable. Most importantly, ensure hygiene from birth to prevent diseases. 

Let's learn how you can care for a newborn calf.

Clean the Calf's Mouth and Nostrils

Cleaning the calf's mouth and nostrils helps it breathe well and prevents future breathing complications. Allow the mother to lick-clean the calf to promote proper circulation and enable standing.

Tie the Navel

Afterward, use a thread to tie the navel about two inches from the base, then cut the remaining part using a clean blade. Dip the navel in an iodine solution or tincture of about 7% concentration or higher. Note that spreading the solution may not work. 

Repeat this after twelve hours. Avoid teat or weak solutions. Poor nail care can lead to various infections.

Give the Calf Colostrum

Two litres of colostrum are recommended for a newborn calf in the first two hours after birth. In addition, giving your calf about 1-2 litres of colostrum within the first twelve hours will help its growth. The amount of colostrum should match the calf size.

Many calves fail to nurse enough colostrum from the dam within the first few hours after birth. As a result, they lack immunity. Furthermore, administering colostrum after 24 hours may not help the calf's immunity. 

Feed the Calf

Hand-feeding your calf for the first time is advisable to ensure it receives adequate colostrum to survive the first three months of its life. Moreover, it would be best to deworm your calf within ten to fourteen days after birth and then follow up monthly for up to six months. 

After three months, see a veterinarian for vaccinations. Also, introduce a calf starter for improved growth and early maturity after two to eight weeks. 

Calf Feeding Practices 

Immediately after birth, remove the calf from the maternity area and clean the mother's teats properly before nursing the calf. In addition, ensure that the calf gets sufficient and high-quality colostrum as soon as possible. Give your calf a fresh starter, milk replacer, and enough water daily. Be sure to give your calf water at least twice a day. 

Place these provisions outside your calf pens to reduce manure and urine contamination. In addition, keeping them outside prevents spilled liquid food and water from soaking your calf's bedding. Also, keeping the calf's feeding equipment clean avoids infections. 

Calf Housing and Bedding 

It is best to have calf housing separate from the main dairy barn on your farm. It is also advisable to screen windows and vents to prevent flies from entering. 

Similarly, proper bedding is essential for calf comfort, especially during pre-weaning. Dry bedding made of fluffy material has benefits. First, it offers a cushioned resting surface and helps the calves remain clean. It also absorbs moisture, reducing stress and preventing diseases. 

You can access various bedding types, including straw, shavings, sand, gravel, and sawdust. Depending on your needs and availability, you can select the right bedding. However, choosing a reputable bedding supplier is advisable for the following reasons:

Fly Control 

Straw bedding encourages the highest fly population of all bedding types. On the other hand, sawdust is less popular due to maggot growth. Sawdust's main downside is that it is a poor moisture absorber, has limited organic matter, and is challenging to break down. 

Comfort 

Gravel and sand are less desirable because they compact and become dirty quickly. Adding straw to the sand or gravel can make the calf more comfortable. On the downside, this can cause bedding to retain more moisture and ferment. 

Sawdust and shavings differ in size, which may affect animal productivity. With all this, choosing a reliable bedding supplier can help you provide the best bedding for your calf. 

Environment 

Your calf's environment is essential for adequate growth and disease control. As a result, proper ventilation will ensure sufficient and quality air circulation. In addition, you must provide enough shade for your calf.