How to Get Started Raising Calves

Baby calves are small and cute at first, then they grow into large cows. Raising a calf requires knowing when to supply the calf with milk, caring for the stall daily and nurturing the calf as it grows into a cow. A well-raised calf will eventually become a working part of the farm because it will do one of two things; produce milk after having a baby if it is a female or become a working steer if it is a male.

Things You'll Need

  • Whole milk
  • Starter grain
  • Sterilized bottle and nipple
  • Grain and water buckets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assist the cow and the calf as it is born into the world. Clean the cow's udders with a warm wet rag to remove any dirt and foreign objects before the calf feeds from it. Clear out the calf's face and nose from all dirt and birthing waste so that the calf can start breathing right away. Allow the mother to clean the calf and dry the calf off with a large towel when she is done.

    • 2

      Place the mother and the calf in a small pen so that they are in a protected area. Allow the mother to raise the calf and feed it. If there is no mother or if the mother refuses to tend to the calf you can separate the calf and put it in a small stall.

    • 3

      Bottle feed the calf the mother's colostrum by placing the colostrum in a sterile glass bottle and placing a sterile nipple on it. Continue to bottle feed the baby cow's milk after the first feeding. Feedings should take place at least every 12 hours or more if the calf appears hungry. Feed calves whole milk after the first day until they are two weeks old.

    • 4

      Offer the calf starter grain at three weeks of age. The grain should be small in size and the calf should continue to be offered milk on a regular basis when the grain is first put in her stall.

    • 5

      Provide clean water for the calf so that he can stay hydrated. Water should be available to the calf at all times of the day and night.

    • 6

      Clean the calf's living area daily. The calf should not stand in her own feces and urine for long periods of time. Wash out the food buckets, the water buckets and check the sides of the stall for dirt and cobwebs. Give the calf time to exercise outside of the stall by placing her in a fenced enclosure while you are cleaning her stall.