Calf transportation
SOP - Handling Day 1 Calves
Care should be taken when transporting calves. The less stress calves experience during transport, the healthier they will be on arrival. Bruising of the navel during transport can encourage navel infections, which can develop into joint ill. Take care of calves and handle gently to avoid this.
STEP
• There should be sufficient room
for all calves to lie down.
CHECK / REQUIREMENT • Approach calf quietly. Firmly catch • One hand around bottom, one around chest (hug the calf) • Bend knees to lift; keep back straight • Keep calf between you and cow; keep an eye on cow for signs of aggression • Minimum 2 people must be present when picking up calves
• Ensure there is a protective cover on
the floor, such as hay, sawdust or a soft mat. This will ensure animals are kept warm and will also reduce injury. • Protect calves from wind chill, rain and
keep them as warm as possible. • Avoid overfeeding prior to transporting.
Top tips for transporting calves • If transporting calves straight off
mum to the calf sheds, spray navel cord with at least 7% tincture iodine before and after transport.
• Educate carriers about low stress
handling techniques.
Never
• Feed electrolytes for the first
• Lift calf above shoulder height • Drag, hit, throw, or drop calf • Pick up calf by tail or leg
12 hours after delivery if they have travelled a long distance. • Drive carefully.
• Any calf trailers used must be
Spray navel with iodine Do not spray iodine in eyes
cleaned, disinfected daily and bedding material kept dry.
30
• Carefully load onto trailer • Maximum load per trailer of # calves (insert number to suit trailer) • Follow speed limit when towing trailer
20
• Exercise extreme caution when driving near calf sheds • Be aware of other people and their location. • Check surroundings before moving vehicle • Observe speed limit Be patient and carefully unload calves into pens using correct lifting technique. Spray navel with iodine again Do not spray iodine in eyes Quality control: sort calves by gender and spray/mark
8 | FARMLANDS CALF REARING GUIDE
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