Wintercheck for young calves

Immediately after birth

• Within 2 hours: 3-4 litres of high-quality colostrum.
• Check colostrum quality with a refractometer (Brix value).
• Dry the calf thoroughly and place it in a draught-free, dry environment.

Housing and bedding

• Add extra bedding for warmth and comfort. A thick, dry layer of straw. The calf should be able to “nest” in the straw.
• Ensure dry, draught-free housing. No draught or direct wind around the calf’s head and neck.
• Check for moisture or wet spots in the lying area daily.
• Remove wet straw and replace when needed.
• Check whether ventilation is adequate without cold air currents daily.

Flooring

• Check if the floor stays dry and clean in wet weather.
• Use a pen with a floor if the ground is too wet.
• Place a draining layer (sand, gravel) under floorless pens. Ensure proper slope so rainwater drains away.

Temperature & comfort

• Control the ambient temperature with adjusted feeding, good bedding, calf jackets or body warmers, and if needed provide infrared heating or a heat lamp.
• Check for cold spots regularly.
• Provide extra warmth for very young calves: heat lamp or calf jacket/body warmer.

Feeding and energy

• Increase the concentration of calf milk or add an extra feeding with the usual concentration: Extra milk or higher energy intake is needed at temperatures below 10-15°C. Provide sufficient drinking moments (min. 2×/day, preferably 3× in cold weather).
• Provide clean, lukewarm drinking water. Extra fluid improves intake of roughage and concentrates.

Outdoor housing and heavy rainfall

• Feed smaller portions more frequently to keep feed as dry as possible.
• Cover the feed bucket after filling.
• Use easily removable buckets so they can be dried quickly.
• Remove feed that has become too wet.

Protection

• Use a calf jacket or body warmer for young animals in extreme cold.
• Check that jackets are dry and hygienic regularly.

Monitoring

• Watch out for shivering, a hunched posture, reduced suckling, or lethargy.
• Measure body temperature if in doubt (below 38.5°C = risk).
• healthy calf = active, calf has a dry nose, bright eyes, smooth shiny clean coat, upright ears and is warm.
• Hang a min/max thermometer near the calves. At low temperatures calves need more energy; adjust milk concentration or number of feedings accordingly.

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