With 55% of beef calves registered coming from UK dairy farms, is this leaving some beef producers exposed to potential calf health issues that can be avoided

For many years, UK dairy farmers have been encouraged to test a dam’s colostrum when feeding it to new-born dairy heifer replacements. This is simple and easy to do and as long as the colostrum is above 22% (measured on a Brix Refractometer, see photo below), it goes a long way to ensuring a new-born calf receives the right antibodies from the dam while their immune system develops. But what about beef calves?

At a recent beef farming event I spoke at, we discussed calf health and what a farmer can do to ensure they are buying beef calves that have had the best start. The host farm highlighted that from one farm they source calves, they treated no more than 1 in 20 animals for pneumonia, scours or other health issues, however, they also source calves at other times of year from unknown farms, this painted a very different picture with up to 1 in 5 calves needing some form of treatment. This is not only costly but would routinely reduce growth rates, increase finishing times and significantly increase the risk of mortality, a hidden cost that the rest of the cohort of animals need to carry.

So what is the likely cause of the difference between the calves being sourced and what can be done to minimise the difference?

Firstly, ask the dairy farm who is supplying the calves about their management:
1) Are all calves treated equally?
2) Do beef calves receive the same colostrum management as replacement heifer calves?
3) Does the farm test colostrum?
4) What does the farm do with colostrum that doesn’t meet the grade?
5) Do all calves receive 3l of high-quality colostrum within 2hrs of birth and a further 3l within 12 hrs?
6) Would the farm supplying the calves be prepared to test the calves at 5 -7 days to check anti-body transfer?

Colostrum above 22% on a Brix has been proven to reduce the risk of pneumonia, scours and ill health as well as promoting growth, if the supplier can’t answer yes to the above questions, should you be buying the calves or are they just increasing your risk and likely costs?

Buying calves from a regular source where you build up a long-term relationship with them and can trust their management is of a high standard can save you £1,000’s in the long run. Paying a sensible price for calves, irrelevant to market values will ensure that relationship works for both sides.

Contact Andy at andydodd@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office to discuss opportunities to source beef calves direct from farms in your area to minimise your risk.