Once calves move from the calving pen into individual housing, the real work of nurturing healthy, thriving youngstock begins. These early days are crucial for developing the calf’s immune system, digestion and long-term growth potential.
Creating the right environment with clean pens, deep bedding, consistent warmth and good feeding routines helps calves remain healthy, comfortable and resilient. Attention to detail during this stage — from pen hygiene and nutrition to transition milk feeding and early behaviour monitoring, can significantly reduce illness and mortality while supporting steady development through weaning.
Preparing Individual Pens for New Arrivals
Every new calf deserves a clean start. Individual pens should be thoroughly disinfected and dried before the calving season begins and then cleaned again between each calf. Dirty or damp pens can harbour harmful bacteria that easily infect a newborn’s navel or digestive system during its first hours of life.
Before each calf enters, line the pen with deep, fresh straw to keep the environment warm and dry. Many farmers also add a layer of lime powder or a bedding conditioner beneath the straw to absorb moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. Pens must provide enough space for the calf to stand, stretch, and lie down comfortably, as cramped conditions restrict movement and airflow, increasing stress and the risk of respiratory problems.
These simple steps form the foundation of disease prevention. Clean, dry and comfortable pens set calves up for healthy early growth.
Temperature and Comfort: Keeping Calves Warm
Newborn calves are particularly vulnerable to cold stress. Their thermoneutral zone lies between 15–25 °C, and temperatures below 10 °C can quickly lead to heat loss, especially when air is damp or draughty — common in Irish spring conditions.
To keep calves within a safe temperature range:
- Calf jackets are strongly recommended for calves under three weeks of age, particularly in uninsulated or draughty sheds.
- Heat lamps can be useful but must be fitted securely and kept at a safe height above straw bedding to avoid fire hazards.
- Digital thermometers or temperature monitors help farmers keep track of shed conditions rather than relying on guesswork.
If a calf is born wet or not fully licked dry, towel-dry it immediately using a clean cloth to remove moisture and stimulate circulation before placing it in the pen. The combination of drying, deep bedding and warmth helps calves maintain body temperature and immune function during this vulnerable stage.
Cleaning Between Calves: Breaking the Infection Cycle
Even when time is tight during the calving peak, pen cleaning cannot be overlooked. After each calf leaves, all bedding should be removed and surfaces thoroughly disinfected and allowed to dry before reuse.
Moist, soiled environments rapidly build up bacteria such as E. coli and Cryptosporidium, which can spread across pens if hygiene slips. Regular cleaning breaks this infection cycle and reduces the overall pathogen load on-farm, lowering disease pressure for the next generation of calves.
Individual pens are designed for convenience — many can be easily dismantled for faster cleaning — but their effectiveness depends entirely on how rigorously hygiene is maintained.
Feeding Transition Milk: Strengthening Gut Health
While colostrum provides essential antibodies in the first hours after birth, the next stage — feeding transition milk — plays a vital role in sustaining immunity and gut development.
Transition milk, produced in the first few days after calving, is rich in protein, fat and bioactive compounds that protect and nourish the intestinal lining. Even after the calf’s gut closes to antibody absorption (around 24–36 hours after birth), these compounds continue to provide local immunity within the digestive tract.
Some farms feed transition milk for only a few feeds, while others continue for seven to ten days to further support growth and resilience. The most important factor is consistency — sticking to a set routine that fits the farm’s system and ensures every calf receives the same start.
Transition milk feeding before moving on to milk replacer builds a stronger digestive system, better feed conversion, and a more robust immune response in the weeks ahead.
Spotting Low Vigour and Early Health Warnings
Calves that are slow to stand or suck may point to underlying nutritional imbalances in the dry cow diet or issues during calving. Hard calvings, for example, often result in weaker calves that require extra stimulation and warmth.
Farmers should work closely with a nutritionist to review mineral supplementation if low vigour is common. Key trace elements such as selenium, copper, and zinc are essential to calf vitality and immune function.
Daily health checks should include:
- Activity and curiosity
- Breathing rate and effort
- Posture and alertness
- Any eye or nasal discharge
Healthy calves should stand when approached and show natural curiosity. Calves that remain withdrawn, dull, or lying down too long need immediate attention. Early detection & intervention prevents minor infections from becoming major setbacks.
A Warm, Clean Start Builds Long-Term Success
A clean, warm and consistent start is the foundation for healthy, fast-growing calves. Deep straw, clean pens, calf jackets and regular hygiene routines help prevent disease and cold stress. Feeding transition milk bridges the gap between colostrum and milk replacer, ensuring continued immune and digestive support. And by observing behaviour closely, farmers can act early to protect calf health and growth.
Supporting Farmers with Science-Led Nutrition
At Specialist Nutrition, we understand that calf health begins long before weaning. Our team works directly with farmers across Ireland, offering on-farm guidance and nutrition planning tailored to support strong, healthy calf development.
Contact our team today to speak with one of our nutritionists about improving calf performance and supporting herd health through expert, science-led feeding solutions.
