Calf Weaning

It is the time of year when many recently weaned calves are relocating to grazing blocks. Relocation can result in growth checks or be a trigger for other animal health issues including pneumonia, scouring and parasites. Recently weaned calves are at particular risk as they are also undergoing changes in diet, rumen development and are usually younger in age. A few criteria to consider for relocating recently weaned calves include:

• Fully weaned and off milk for at least two weeks

• Meet their minimum weight target for their age

• Transitioned onto a full pasture diet or supplement provided for transition

• Competing and coping well within the group

• Drenched and vaccinated

• In good health

There are also a few specific diseases to watch out for:

Pinkeye: We are coming up to the Pink Eye season in calves. In most cases a single dose of Piliguard vaccine given 3-6 weeks before the risk period will significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak.

Thiamine/Vitamin B1 deficiency: This nervous condition of calves is one of the most common disease of calves that we see over the summer months. It is considered to be associated with a change of diet from a fibrous stalky to a lush, rapidly growing grass diet. High sulphur intakes have also been incriminated. Calves show nervous signs including:

• Blindness

• Staggering

• Muscle tremors

• Becoming unable to stand with neck and head arched right back

• Seizures and death

We traditionally see cases from late November, peaking late Dec/early Jan. Individual calves, if treated early enough with injectable Vitamin B1, respond well and make a full recovery. In the face of an ‘outbreak’, it is well worth considering the prophylactic use of an oral drench of Vitamin B1, for the entire mob of calves.