Posted by Dr. Steve Dudley on January 12 2005 00:00
Calf Barn Checklist
1. Maternity Area and Colostrum Management
Key Points:
- How clean/well-bedded is the maternity area?
- How long does calf remain with cow?
- Is calf allowed to nurse colostrum from cow?
- How much colostrum is fed and at what time interval?
- Are any vaccines given at birth? (Example: Calf Guard, E-colizer)
2. Calf Housing
Key Points:
- How clean/dry is the calf housing
- Describe air quality
- Temperatue
- Humidity
- (Goal is <65%)
- What is the sanitation procedure of pens post-weaning?
3. Feeding and Equipment
Key Points:
- Are calves fed waste milk or milk replacer?
- What volume and at what interval are calves fed?
- Bottles or buckets?
- How are bottles, buckets, nipples, esophageal feeders cleaned?
- Are any additives used in the milk replacer?
- Example: BioMos, Crypto Relief, Antibiotics
4. Calf Health
Key Points:
- Age and frequency of calf scours?
- Current treatments
- Prevention Used
- Age and frequency of calf pneumonia?
- Current treatments
- Prevention Used
- Any other health challenges?