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

Green Fodder

• Leguminous: 10 kg
• Non-leguminous: 25 kg

Dry Fodder; 3 kg per day

Vaccination Schedule