The response of animals to seasonal factors varies between different species. For example, the thermal comfort zone range for dairy calves older than three weeks is known to range from about 5°C to 20°C. Calves need special care as they move out of their thermal comfort zone during the winter season. The animal nutritionists of Trouw Nutrition, the world’s animal nutrition expert, share the considerations for proper animal care during the winter months.
Source: Trouw Nutrition
During the cold winter months, calves are often exposed to temperatures below their thermal comfort zone ranges. If proper care is not provided to the calves during these periods, the calves use their existing energy for growth and development needs as well as for heat production to keep themselves warm. Stating that one of the most important ways to keep calves warm in cold winter conditions is correct and balanced animal feeding methods, animal nutritionists of Trouw Nutrition Türkiye explain the care and feeding tips that will save lives.
IN WINTER, CALVES MUST BE FED WITH THREE MEALS OR MORE
If calves do not consume a minimum of eight liters of high-quality calf feed or pasteurized milk per day in current feeding programs, the amount of milk offered should be increased to these levels. Since the two-meal feeding program cannot fully meet the needs of the calves in very cold periods, it is necessary to feed three or more meals, especially during these periods.
COLOSTRUM MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL IN CALVES’ FIRST DAYS
It is very important to give four liters of high-quality colostrum to the newborn calf as soon as possible due to both providing passive immunity and rich nutritional content. The colostrum feeding process needs to be continued for 48 hours, two liters every six to eight hours.
CALF FEED CONSUMPTION POSITIVELY AFFECTS FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF CALVES
Apart from pasteurized milk or high-quality calf food, it is of great importance for calves to consume calf feed at an early age in order to consume more dry feed in the coming days. It becomes possible to contribute to the feeding programs of calves with a calf feed that has a high energy level and contains high-quality protein sources.
REGULAR WATER CONSUMPTION GREATLY AFFECTS TEMPERATURE
Giving calves warm water at certain times of the day reduces the need to spend energy from the diet to keep the calf warm. By this means, the calf can use its energy for growth. It should also not be forgotten that water intake will accelerate rumen development for older calves, cause more heat to be produced from rumen fermentation and encourage calf feed intake.
VITAMIN AND MINERAL DEFICIENCY MAY LEAD TO IMPORTANT HEALTH PROBLEMS
Significant health problems can be experienced in calves due to a lack of vitamins and minerals. For example, in the case of vitamin A deficiency, the growth rate of calves slows down. Since vitamin D plays an essential role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, in case of deficiency, the absorption rates of these two critical minerals decrease and some bone diseases may occur. Vitamin E protects calves against oxidative stress with its high antioxidant effect. Vitamin K affects blood clotting. B-group vitamins act as coenzymes. In the deficiency of B group vitamins, which must be taken from outside in calves whose rumen activity is not fully developed yet; problems such as deceleration in growth, loss of appetite, deterioration of the skin around the mouth and eyes, diarrhea, exhaustion and weakness can be commonly encountered. Minerals, on the other hand, are of great importance in terms of different functions in animal organisms, such as the stimulation of muscles and nerves and the acid-base balance of the body. Calcium and phosphorus, which are macrominerals, play a significant role in bone formation. Delay in growth, hypersensitivity and tetany can be observed in magnesium deficiency, and muscle weakness and diarrhea in potassium deficiency. Although micromineral deficiencies vary depending on each trace mineral source; decrease in body weight gain, susceptibility to infections, and deterioration in feather structure and joints stand out as the most common problems.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS IMPORTANT AFTER BIRTH
A newborn calf has only three to four percent body fat and also a small amount of a special layer of fat called brown fat. It is known that the only task of this fat layer is to release energy as heat after birth. It is important that the calves are dried quickly after birth in order not to completely deplete this reserve.
Birth areas must also be completely dry and prevent harsh air currents. Heat boxes prepared for calves during births during cold periods facilitate the adaptation of the calf to the ambient temperature. Similarly, dressing the calves with specially designed blankets in very cold weather helps to keep them warm thanks to the thermal insulation it provides.
A PROTECTED AND CLEAN SHELTER IS ESSENTIAL
It is essential for calves to have a clean, dry, and plentiful bedding system in terms of providing thermal insulation. Air quality in calf areas during cold periods is one of the most important points to be considered. If there is no good air circulation in the calf area, the temperature and humidity can cause the development of pathogen risks. This may increase the risk of disease in the herd.