Calf rearing 15% of the workload in spring months

A Moorepark labour survey showed that calf rearing was 6% of the annual workload, but it was 15% during March.

This is equivalent to two and a quarter hours, during the busiest time of the year.

The following are some tips on how to reduce the work associated with calf rearing.

* Disease prevention: hygiene and colostrum are essential as the calving season progresses.

* Once a day (OAD) feeding after three weeks of age.

* Early turnout to grass/access to pasture.

* Group feeding of calves, rather than individual feeding.

* Milk transfer to calf house; use a pump or vehicle.

* Beef calves — sell them as early as possible.

* Cleaning pens; arrange that they can be cleaned mechanically.

* Appropriate facilities; invest if necessary.

* Appropriate labour; employ if necessary, especially where herd size has increased.