Keeping older German calves vital appears to be a challenge

German calves that are transported from the age of 28 days are more vital. However, keeping the calves vital at the new destination does not happen automatically and requires a different approach. This is reported by trade journal De Kalverhouder. Transport at a later age causes more discomfort for the calves. Nutrition management also requires attention. Older calves are also more settled on the dairy farm and attached to certain habits. Intestinal bleeding and pneumonia Transport at a later age has greater effects on the calf, according to veterinarians and advisors. For example, intestinal bleeding sometimes occurs, which is hardly seen in younger calves. Pneumonia also seems to be more common. Veterinarians therefore consider it desirable to treat calves soon after arrival. Feed intake lower than expected Feeding the older German calves is also a point of attention. Because the animals are older, farmers expect the calves to be able to absorb more feed. In ...