🐄 1.1 Calf Rearing
Why calf rearing is important
- The calf is your future milk cow
- Poor calf care leads to weak cows and low milk production
Key Practices
✔ Colostrum Feeding (First Milk)
- Give calf colostrum within 1 hour after birth
- Feed at least 3 litres in first 24 hours
- Helps calf fight diseases
✔ Milk Feeding
- Feed milk or milk replacer twice daily
- Always feed same time daily
✔ Clean Housing
- Keep calf pen dry and warm
- Protect from rain and cold wind
✔ Early Feeding
- Introduce calf pellets and soft grass after 2 weeks
- Provide clean water always
✔ Dehorning & Identification
- Dehorn early (2–3 weeks)
- Tag or identify calf for records
🐄 1.2 Fertility and Reproduction
Signs of Heat (Cow Ready for Breeding)
- Mounting other cows
- Restlessness
- Clear mucus discharge
- Reduced feeding
👉 Best time to serve:
- 12 hours after heat is first seen
Artificial Insemination (AI)
Benefits:
- Improves breed quality
- Increases milk production
- Reduces disease spread
Good Fertility Depends On:
✔ Good feeding
✔ Healthy body condition
✔ Proper heat detection
🐄 1.3 Health Care
Common Diseases
- Mastitis
- Tick-borne diseases
- Worm infestation
- Foot and mouth disease
Disease Prevention
✔ Vaccinate regularly
✔ Deworm every 3 months
✔ Control ticks weekly
✔ Maintain clean housing
When To Call A Vet
- Cow stops eating
- High fever
- Difficult calving
- Sudden drop in milk
