Health Check of Calves prior to purchase
In Ireland, each year, approximately 560,000 calves under 6 weeks of age are sold from the farm of birth to the farm of purchase, mainly through direct sales (c414k) and livestock marts (c150k). Checking the health and vitality of young calves before and after the move from the farm of birth to the farm of purchase is an essential management practice for beef and livestock farmers in order to minimise mortality and disease problems. Teagasc, the Irish Agricultural and Development Authority have a number of educational and innovation programmes on calf health and management for farmers. In addition, Animal Health Ireland has a Calf Care programme focusing on all the key issues to assist farmers in rearing calves and reducing diseases. A farmer who has adopted and follows the Teagasc programme on herd and calf inspection prior to purchase reports that “Prevention is better than cure”. As a result, both mortality and disease have been significantly reduced in his herd improving animal welfare and economic returns. Calf rearing is much more trouble free, improving herd performance and labour efficiency. Calf mortality has been reduced to low single digit figures and medical and veterinary costs for calf rearing significantly reduced, resulting in improved economic sustainability.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland