Selecting and sourcing calves
Meat & Livestock Australia October 2, 2024
Success in calf rearing depends on sourcing the right calves. Well-grown, healthy calves have the best productivity, as they are more likely to respond well to feeding and grow quickly.
Biosecurity considerations
Calves purchased directly from a dairy farm are typically healthier than those bought through markets or saleyards. They are exposed to fewer pathogens, experience less co-mingling, and are delivered directly. Purchasing directly also provides the opportunity to ask the dairy farm important questions about the calves’ health and management.
Preferably, calves should be purchased in batches of the same age from a single source. Consistently buying from the same supplier each year can reduce the risk of disease resulting in higher-quality calves.
If you’re buying calves from saleyards and from different farms or dairies, consider the extra biosecurity risks and management challenges that can come with it.
When calves arrive on your property, remember to quarantine new arrivals for as long as feasible (ideally 7-21 days) and continue to monitor them daily for signs of disease or poor health.
Building long-term relationships
Building strong long-term relationships between calf suppliers and buyers can benefit both parties. For the dairy farmer, it means having a reliable buyer who will take their calves every year. For the beef farmer, it means getting healthy, strong calves that will grow well and meet the market specifications.
Both sides need to work together and agree on a fair price so that everyone benefits from the partnership.