The first hours and days of a calf’s life play a critical role in determining its health, survival and future productivity. Early management decisions — from colostrum feeding to monitoring calf vitality — can significantly influence long-term outcomes in dairy herds.
The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle emphasizes that prompt care and early intervention are essential for maintaining calf health and reducing mortality.
Early Observation and Prompt Care
Close monitoring immediately after birth allows producers to identify calves that may need extra attention.
Calves born from difficult births, or dystocia, require particularly careful observation. These calves face a higher risk of early mortality and may be more susceptible to health challenges such as respiratory disease and diarrhea later in life.
Assessing calf vitality shortly after birth helps determine whether supportive care is needed. Calves with low vitality, twins, or those recovering from dystocia may benefit from additional colostrum feedings, electrolyte support, or extra thermal protection to maintain body temperature.
Monitoring calves during the first two weeks is also important. A normal calf body temperature ranges from 38.5 to 39.5°C. Changes in drinking speed or reduced milk intake are often among the earliest signs that a calf may be developing illness.
Managing Common Health Challenges
Early intervention can greatly improve treatment outcomes for sick calves.
Diarrhea remains one of the most common calf health issues. Fluid therapy that replaces lost water and electrolytes is an effective way to support calves experiencing scours.
Importantly, research shows that continuing to feed normal amounts of milk or milk replacer during diarrhea does not worsen the condition. Maintaining milk feeding helps prevent weight loss, supports intestinal healing and aids recovery.
However, feeding milk or milk replacer by stomach tube to calves that are not actively drinking is not recommended due to the potential health risks involved.
Paying Attention to Navel Care
Navel care is another early management step often included in calf health protocols.
Dipping navels shortly after birth can help dry the umbilical cord and reduce bacteria present on the surface. When performing this step, the Code of Practice recommends using a clean 7–10% iodine tincture solution.
Contaminated dipping solutions or products containing additives such as emollients can interfere with normal navel healing and should be avoided.
Colostrum: The Foundation of Calf Immunity
Proper colostrum management remains one of the most important factors influencing calf health.
Colostrum contains immunoglobulins that provide calves with essential immune protection. The effectiveness of colostrum feeding depends on three key factors: quality, quantity and timing.
The Dairy Code of Practice requires that calves receive at least four litres of high-quality colostrum within 12 hours of birth, with the first feeding ideally occurring within the first six hours.
Producers are encouraged to evaluate colostrum quality using tools such as a colostrometer or refractometer. Measuring serum total protein in young calves can also help confirm successful passive transfer of immunity.
Supporting Calf Development in the First Days
Beyond the initial feeding, extended colostrum or transition milk feeding can further benefit calf health.
Feeding colostrum, transition milk, or a blend of colostrum and milk during the first few days of life has been shown to improve gut development and overall health. In some cases, extending this feeding period can increase average daily gain and reduce the risk of diarrhea.
For smaller or weaker calves, extended colostrum feeding may provide additional support during the early growth period.
Monitoring Herd-Level Calf Health
Tracking calf health at the herd level can help producers identify management gaps early.
The Dairy Code of Practice states that if mortality among female calves older than two days exceeds 10 percent, producers must work with a veterinarian or qualified advisor to implement corrective measures.
Many herds aim for calf mortality below six percent, which reflects strong management and early disease prevention.
Routine veterinary consultation, careful monitoring of calves, and consistent management practices all contribute to healthier calves and stronger herd performance.
