Calf Health: Essential Care Right From Birth

When that calf hits the ground, every moment counts. Proper care in the first few hours is crucial to ensure a strong start for the calf's health and development. Here's a quick guide to the three key factors for healthy newborn calves: Heat, Groceries, and Vaccines/Supplements.

1. Heat: Keeping Your Calf Warm

The first priority after birth is warmth. A newborn calf is highly susceptible to hypothermia, so it’s important to act quickly. Make sure the calf is dried off right away, either by the mother or through your intervention. The moisture from birth can cause the calf to lose body heat rapidly, so ensure it is thoroughly dried. Providing plenty of bedding or a warm mat for the calf to lie on is essential to help maintain its body temperature. Warmth plays a vital role in promoting circulation and encouraging healthy behavior, like standing and nursing.

2. Groceries: Getting Colostrum in the Belly

The next step is making sure the calf gets its first meal—colostrum. This nutrient-rich “first milk” is packed with antibodies that provide vital immune protection, as newborn calves are born without immunity. Colostrum also provides essential vitamins and minerals that jump-start the digestive system and promote healthy growth. The sooner the calf receives colostrum, the better its chances of thriving. Aim for the calf to receive its first drink within the first few hours after birth.

3. Vaccines & Supplements: Giving Them a Boost

Once your calf is warm and nourished, it’s time to consider vaccines and supplements. These are crucial for supporting its developing immune system and ensuring long-term health.

  • Nasal Inforce: This is a respiratory support product that helps prevent and manage viral infections in newborn calves. It’s a nasal vaccine designed to provide immediate immunity against common respiratory pathogens, helping keep your calf’s respiratory system healthy and strong.

  • Multimin, BoSe, or MuSe: Any of these are vitamin and mineral supplements that ensure your calf gets the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. They provide that extra layer of protection to ensure your calf grows into a strong, healthy animal.