A good calf that gets the best start in life will mostly produce a good cow. It all starts with birthweight. As the digestive system is the last part of the calf to develop, size may be an indicator of when the gut is ready to begin digesting food. This digestion and the calf immune system also need a vital feed – colostrum – and they also benefit hugely from transition milk for a number of days post-birth.

This article looks at key points to remember when preparing calves for grass: Focus on rumen development, don’t rush transitions, how stress impacts the calf, value fibre and respect the finer details of the grass diet.

This article examines the pros and cons of automatic versus manual Feeding when it comes to calf rearing.

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