About Lesson
Care and Management of Newborn Calf and Heifers
Immediate Care at Birth
- Mucus Removal: Clear nose and mouth immediately after birth.
- Navel Cord Care: Tie ~2.5 cm from body, cut 1 cm below tie. Apply tincture of iodine; repeat for 2–3 days to prevent infection.
Feeding Colostrum
- Time: Feed within 15–30 minutes of birth.
- Quantity: Cow calf: 1/10th of body weight. Buffalo calf: 1/15th of body weight
Weaning; Weaning at Birth: Ensure colostrum for first 3–4 days.
Identification Methods
- Tattooing: Inside ear with indelible ink (permanent).
- Ear Tags/Buttons: Metal tags with numbers.
- Neck Strap/Chain: With number plate (temporary).
Growth Monitoring
- Average Weight Gain: Crossbred calf: ~400 g/day or 5–3 kg/week
Dehorning / Disbudding
- Time: Within 3–10 days of birth.
- Methods: Hot iron, Caustic stick, Electric dehorner.
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HEIFERS
Rearing of Heifers
- Housing Types: Indoors or outdoors from 9–12 months of age.
- Breed Consideration:
- Small breeds: First breeding at 15 months.
- Large breeds: First breeding at 18 months.
- Ideal Body Weight for First Breeding: Small breeds: 200–225 kg, Large breeds: 275 kg
Breeding and Calving
- Crossbred heifers may show heat signs as early as 10 months, but:
- Should not be bred before 14 months or
- Attaining 225–275 kg body weight
- Ideal Age at First Calving: 25–28 months
Feeding Management
- Concentrate Feed
Age Group | Quantity/day |
3 months–1 year | 1 kg |
Above 1 year | 2 kg |
Pregnant Heifers | 3–3.5 kg |
Green Fodder
- Leguminous: 10 kg
- Non-leguminous: 25 kg
Dry Fodder; 3 kg per day
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccine | Schedule | Remarks |
Brucella (Strain 19) | 4–6 months of age | Prevents abortion |
FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) | Every 4/9/12 months | Based on local prevalence |
Rinderpest | Once in 1–3 years | Preventive |
HS (Haemorrhagic Septicaemia) | Yearly | Pre-monsoon |
Anthrax | Yearly | Preventive |
Black Quarter (BQ) | Yearly | Preventive |
