SPECIAL REPORT
Avoiding problems with heifer reproductive performance starts with rearing great calves.
Calf-rearing lessons from Covid-19 Words by: Sheryl Haitana
O
ne lesson farmers can take from Covid-19 is the importance of self isolation and hygiene when it comes to calf rearing this season, says Fonterra senior veterinary manager Mike Shallcrass. Coronavirus strains are common in calves and can cause deadly scours. As with many of the infectious diseases in calves, isolating sick calves from the rest of the calves is vital, he says. “Put them in the hospital pen away from the other calves and keep them there until they go out on pasture. Don’t put them back with the other calves when you think they look better.” The other important task is cleaning
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calf equipment thoroughly with hot soapy water to kill any bacteria. “Feed your sick mob last and clean the equipment to get the milk fat layer off because the bugs can live in it.” Mike presented a webinar for Dairy Women’s Network Calf Rearing series in June on calf diseases. His key take home messages are for farmers to make the time to prioritise the best start for their calves because it will save them time and money long term. “The most limited resource on farm is time. There are some simple rules around calf rearing and most people know them, but when you are pushed for time the temptation is to cut corners.”
Mike is passionate about the growth of NZ’s young stock from birth to heifers calving in the herd. “As a country, we do have problems with heifer reproductive performance. An empty heifer is a cost in terms of time, money, and GreenHouse Gas emissions and reduces the efficiency of the farming system.” Taking the job in Fonterra’s On-farm Excellence - Animals Team was an opportunity for the dairy vet to advise Fonterra farmers and help cows throughout NZ. “What was exciting about this job was the opportunity to help millions of cows. For a vet, part of the satisfaction of your job is helping animals. That’s why we do it.”
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | June 2020
