Planning and preparation
Meat & Livestock Australia September 27, 2024
Rearing non-replacement dairy calves can be time consuming, challenging and requires careful attention to nutrition and hygiene to prevent illness. However, when done correctly, it can be a rewarding experience.
Purpose: Why are you buying non-replacement dairy calves?
Target Market: What target market are you aiming for?
Market Specifications: What are the specific requirements of the market?
Production Pathway: How do you plan to meet these specifications, such as growth rates
Before buying calves, do you have:
- Knowledge and skills – make sure you and any staff are up to date with current rearing practices and know where to seek further information and assistance.
Tools and Resources: {Link to the ones at the end of this module}
- Time and budget – make sure you have suitable feed, water, and husbandry care, all of which require careful budgeting. Calves require milk several times a day initially, along with access to calf meal/pellets and fibre.
After weaning, continue providing calf meal/pellets and hay and introduce grass into their diet. Think about and plan for the cost and availability of these resources over the rearing period to