New DairyNZ Resources Aim to Improve Calf Rearing Practices

DairyNZ has announced the upcoming release of updated calf-rearing resources, scheduled for this winter. These materials are designed to provide independent guidance on crucial aspects of calf rearing, including housing, health, colostrum management, feeding, and weaning.

According to Penny Timmer-Arends, DairyNZ’s senior animal care specialist, early nutrition is vital for calves, influencing growth and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of colostrum, particularly the first milking known as Gold colostrum, which is rich in antibodies. This needs to be administered within 12 hours to ensure passive immunity transfer to the calves.

Kat Kevey, a senior design specialist at DairyNZ, highlighted the farmer-centered approach in developing these resources. This involved interviews and testing drafts with farmers to ensure the materials meet their needs. The resources include practical tools such as a poster illustrating signs of a healthy calf for easy reference in calf sheds.

One of the challenges addressed by the new resources is the time constraint during busy periods on farms, which can hinder more frequent milk feedings. To tackle this, DairyNZ has developed an ad lib feeding guide, informed by farmer experiences, to help adapt feeding practices effectively.

The release of these resources will be accompanied by on-farm events during the dry period, offering farmers the opportunity to integrate science into their practices for better calf development.