This module covers planning and sourcing healthy calves to meet market requirements and maintain biosecurity. It guides users on setting up facilities, managing transportation and effectively handling new arrivals. By following industry best practices for calf selection, care, and management, users can reduce health risks, optimise growth and boost the profitability of a dairy-beef enterprise.
Key messages
- Plan infrastructure, equipment, feed, water and labour in advance to support calf health and welfare.
- Source well-grown, healthy calves with strong immunity for better growth and profitability.
- Prioritise biosecurity by assessing the herd health, vaccination and disease history to reduce risks.
- Follow Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Transport to ensure calves arrive healthy and with minimal stress.
- Quarantine and monitor calves for 7-21 days, tracking health and any signs of disease.