Things you need to consider when housing calves this autumn: performance on grass, winter health requirements, nutrition and birth weight.

There are multiple and important reasons why calves need fat in their diet. Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, which form important membrane structures in the calf, and have a key association with vitamins. Fat is also a store of energy and can be converted to sugar when the calf most needs it. Calf rearing is about keeping the calf healthy and, as importantly, developing into a ruminant so it can be weaned successfully and grow.

The decision to ban the housing of calves in single pen by some supermarket chains will lead to increased disease problems and cost for farmers forced to make changes now.

Heat stress occurs in calves when they absorb more heat than they can expel, leading to discomfort, reduced feed intake, [...]

This article discusses the complex gut morphology and intestinal development of the new born calf.

Dr Amanda Dunn of Bonanza Calf Nutrition discussing the benefits of transition milk and gradual weaning.