How to Raise a Jersey Calf

Make sure the newborn Jersey calf receives colostrum from the mother and that it receives all veterinary recommended vaccinations prior to weaning. Dehorn the calf within two weeks of birth to decrease stress, if possible.

Reduce stresses that may cause the Jersey calf to lose weight or not eat enough feed. Stress reducing methods include moving the cow instead of the calf at weaning time, making sure the calf becomes familiar with regular feed before weaning, and avoiding medical procedures immediately before or after weaning. Consider weaning strategies to decrease stress such as using a barrier electric fence so the calf can see the heifer but cannot nurse.

Prevent the calf from interacting with other calves for at least two weeks after weaning to prevent spreading infections. Individual calf hutches cause no problems if used up to four months of age, according to Auburn University animal specialist B. R. Moss, associate professor D. A. Coleman and veterinarian J. Floyd. Consult with your veterinarian regarding vaccinations, nutritional needs, feed additives, coccidiosis treatment and other measures to help prevent illnesses caused by weaning stress. Schedule the Jersey calf for worming at least two times per year or more frequently depending on your veterinarian's recommendation.

Move the calf out of single hutch housing with similar sized and same-age calves to prevent larger calves from dominating the food. Do not place your Jersey calf with younger large breed calves or older small calves as disease resistance varies at different ages, warn the Auburn experts.

Weigh the Jersey calf to monitor for a needed 1.3 pounds per day gain between weaning and 15 months old, advise Brinton A. Hopkins and Lon W. Whitlow of North Carolina State University. Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding to prevent breeding and calving difficulties when the calf matures.

Provide adequate shelter to protect Jersey calves, whose smaller size causes less tolerance for cold during cold weather and feed 12 percent of body weight in milk replacer daily, advises University of Illinois Extension researchers James K. Drackley, Lance D. Ruppert, Jeffrey P. Elliott, Gene C. McCoy and Edwin H. Jaster.

Make sure housing for the calf provides sanitary conditions, dry bedding, clean feed and water containers, and adequate ventilation. Check bedding condition by kneeling on it and changing the materials if you get wet, suggests Lance S. Fox, Alpharma Animal Health technical service veterinarian.

Provide an outside area with adequate shade and clean water at all times. Keep pastures clean from dangerous objects and unsanitary manure heaps, and check fence lines.