What are the steps in ensuring calves are in good health through birth to slaughter?

1. Which is the most critical nutritional requirement for newborn calves?
2. What do cows do when they are about to give birth?
3. What are the calf management practices?
4. What are the nutritional requirements of a calf?
5. Why is calf protein important?
6. How much protein does a calf need?
7. How do you deliver a calf?
8. When should you pull a calf?
9. How do I know if my calf is stillborn?
10. What are good management practices in beef production?
11. What are the management practices immediately after calving?
12. Why is it important to follow a feeding plan for a group of calves?
13. What kind of nutrients do cows need?

Which is the most critical nutritional requirement for newborn calves?

The major sources of energy for the newborn should be derived primarily from lactose (milk sugar) and highly digestible fat. It is very important to provide adequate energy, since the calf's metabolic rate, or rate at which energy is used, is greatest during the first two weeks of life.

What do cows do when they are about to give birth?

Signs in the weeks leading up to calving include udder development, relaxation and swelling of the vulva (springing), and a thick mucus discharge from the vulva. Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and strutting of the teats may be observed in some cows in the 24 hours leading up to labor.

What are the calf management practices?

Management procedures should aim to minimize stress to calves while ensuring they are in sound condition nutritionally and immunologically. Castration and dehorning should be performed well before weaning. ... Weaning times as early as 30–60 days can increase reproductive performance of cows and heifers.

What are the nutritional requirements of a calf?

The three most essential nutrients for calf growth and development are water, energy and protein. Fibre, minerals and vitamins are also needed, but play a smaller role. Water is essential for all living animals and it is good husbandry to provide calves with as much fresh, clean water as they want.

Why is calf protein important?

Protein is required for milk production and reproductive tract reconditioning after calving. Young, growing cattle, in particular, need relatively high levels of crude protein in their diets to support muscle growth. Creep feeds or forages for nursing calves should contain at least 15 percent crude protein.

How much protein does a calf need?

Calves will need 4 to 5 pounds of a grain-protein mixture per head daily to average 1.2 pounds daily on winter fescue pastures (Table 3).

How do you deliver a calf?

Keep steady pressure on the rope or tie it to a solid object. Wait about 5 seconds and grasp the part of the rope parallel to the cow's back and gently pull so that she lays flat out on her side. When the cow is down on her side, she is in her natural position to deliver a calf.

When should you pull a calf?

If the nose is not visible (head turned back) or a nose with one or no hooves (leg or legs back), immediate intervention is necessary. If the calf is presenting backwards (two hooves with the pads up), pulling the calf will increase its chances of survival as these calves take a longer time to be delivered naturally.

How do I know if my calf is stillborn?

Body condition score of cows at calving. Length of calving, calving difficulty and whether assistance was used. Presence of any visible abnormalities in the calf. Cloudy eyes in the calf indicating it has been dead for several hours.

What are good management practices in beef production?

Beef Production and Cattle Management

Key practices include maintaining adequate cattle nutrition, investing in vaccinations, and decreasing stress on the herd. To further improve herd profitability, it's essential to make efficient use of on-farm resources, such as land, feed, and facilities.

What are the management practices immediately after calving?

Immediately after birth remove any mucous or phlegm from those nose and mouth. Normally the cow licks the calf immediately the birth. This helps' dry off the calf and helps in stimulating breathing and circulation. When the cows does not lick or in cold climate, rub and dry the calf with a dry cloth or gunny bag.

Why is it important to follow a feeding plan for a group of calves?

Livestock should be fed rations that have been properly balanced for energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. This will ensure their nutrient requirements are met and not exceeded which would lead to waste and inefficiency.

What kind of nutrients do cows need?

Carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and water are all nutrients required by the lactating dairy cow to meet the demand by the mammary gland to produce milk and milk components.