Instructions
Feed your newborn calf a good supply of high-quality colostrum as soon as possible. Colostrum is a secretion produced by the mother's mammary glands after calving is complete. The Wisconsin Dairy Board's publication, "Raising Calves ... The 5 C's of a Healthy Start," further states that "colostrum contains high levels of antibodies that calves need to prevent diseases." This first feeding should take place as soon as possible after birth, it says preferably within the first hour. Wash the mother's teats and udder and milk four quarts into a clean bucket. The Dairy Board acknowledges that it may not always be possible to feed every calf within the first hour of birth, but that this should be done within the first six hours of life.
Find a reputable seller from whom to purchase your calf if you are just getting started. Local newspapers frequently carry classified or display ads, perhaps in an "Agriculture" section, highlighting calves for sale. Purebredcattle.com suggests buying a calf that is already independent from its mother as a good start. It may save you some early trouble and prevent you from having to purchase the mother as well. It further advises that you find a mentor to assist you, if you are not already an established expert in cattle raising. This is because you will have to be on the lookout for sick calves or those with diseased hooves. These things can be hard for a novice to spot. It's not uncommon for farmers or auctioneers to try and profit from selling sick livestock.
Provide adequate shelter. Purebred.com advises cattle raisers to make sure the shelter is draft free but not airtight. Numerous health problems can result for calves if their living area is too moist. Cows are known for creating a good amount of moisture via their breathing, urinating and bowel movements. Shelters need not be complex or expensive. A three-sided shed would suffice as adequate shelter from wind and the elements. Provide a bedding of hay for the floor.
Purchase a two quart bottle with a nipple for use in feeding your calf if it is going to be raised separate from its mother. You will need to feed the calf at least twice per day with at least two quarts of whole milk or milk replacer. Milk replacer can be purchased at most animal feed stores. Your calf may be reluctant to accept the milk replacer at first. Feedingbabycalves.com suggests that you begin by sprinkling some milk replacer on the calf's nose. Allow him to lick it off. It advises that you stand in front of the calf with the bottle. Once he licks the replacer from his nose, try to insert the bottle nipple into his mouth. Make this attempt several times for about 15 minutes in the morning. Wait until evening and try again if the calf will not suckle. An injection of of vitamin B complex supplement will also help stimulate the calf's appetite, it states.
Provide plenty of water for your calf, especially in the hot summer months. Cows are known to dehydrate. Purchase a cattle trough in order to provide adequate water for your calf. Make sure you keep the trough clean, especially during the summer months. Purebred-cattle.com warns that the combination of the calf's bacteria-laden saliva and heat can promote the growth of algae and green moss. If you notice such a situation developing, it advises that you "rig up a copper sulfate sack and drag it around in the water once or twice a week." You will need to purchase a tank heater for the winter months to keep the water from freezing if you live in a cold winter climate.
Purchase calf starter and begin feeding it to the calf at four days of age. Calves can be weaned from milk once they are eating 1.5 to 2 lbs. of starter daily.
How to Raise Calves
There are generally two reasons one raises a calf. The first is for beef and the second is for milk. Whichever is your goal, there are several factors that must be considered to raise a healthy calf. It is important that the calf have adequate shelter and that their living areas be kept clean. Calves will also require consistent and plentiful nourishment. Beef calves are typically raised with their birth mother for the first five months. Dairy (or milk) calves are typically bottle nourished. A beef calf can be raised on the bottle the same as a dairy calf. In either case, calves require good amounts of nutrition and this is a paramount concern. Calves should be kept comfortable and consistency in their daily maintenance is important.