Housing
Development of calves to heifers
A smooth start for a newborn calf and healthy rearing is the foundation for well-developed heifers. Strengthening and making a calf resilient is a natural process, and as a dairy farmer, you naturally want to support this well. Any growth stop has an immediate negative effect on the positive growth curve of a calf. The move to a group, where calves are exposed to factors that require good resistance to remain fit, is a critical point.
Prevent a growth halt
To prevent growth stalling, determining the right moment for the move to group housing is important. If calves are already in a 'critical phase' before this move, it is better to guide them through this phase first. When their resistance is optimal again, they can be moved with a lower risk of disease. Weaning is also a crucial moment when calves need to be resilient.
Consequences on the pile
The management during the rearing period has a significant impact on the lifespan and economy of the entire herd. The likelihood of culling a dairy cow in the first lactation is also 2.5 times greater if it has had diarrhoea as a calf.
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