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Narrator: Processing newborn calves
is a very important job on the farm.
What takes place on a calves first day of life
ultimately prepares them to have a
healthy, productive life in the milking herd.
Processing new born calves includes these common
management practices.
Dip the navel or umbilical cord.
Move calves to a clean, dry environment.
And follow proper vaccination protocols.
It is important to reduce the bacterial load
to which new born calves are exposed
by keeping calving pens clean.
This includes clean, dry bedding added routinely
and reducing stocking density or
the number of calves per calving pen
to avoid overcrowding and increased bacteria load.
Before removing a calf from the maternity area,
dip the navel or umbilical cord in
chlorhexidine solution or 7% iodine.
This will disinfect the navel area
and prevent bacteria from infecting the newborn.
After dipping the calves navel in the maternity pen,
move the calf to a clean and dry environment
to reduce chances of environmental bacterial contamination.
Options may include a heated room,
individual or group pen where calves
can become dry and avoid cold air drafts.
Calves should consume warm, high quality colostrum
as soon as possible within two to four hours after birth.
Vaccinations can be used to increase levels of
specific antibodies, and to boost the calves
developing immune system.
Each farm should have a written and reviewed
vaccination protocol to follow the first few weeks of life.
Vaccinations should be given 30 minutes
prior to feeding colostrum.
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