Livestock Matters - Autumn 2015

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WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE... 13 LIVESTOCK MATTERS
F A R M S K I L L S
To find out more about these courses or to book
onto a course i
r XLVets
practice or visit
FarmSkills heifer rearing courses
Plan and prepare for successful
heifer production.
Calf rearing part 1:
Maximising calf survival rates
through good management.
Understanding calf development
and optimise growth from birth
to weaning.
Planning for service.
Calf rearing part 2:
Care of the pregnant heifer.
Disease management and
routine preventative health
measures.
Practical workshops
delivered by vets on
farm and tailor made
for you.
The health and nutrition of the dam is a
key factor in this, ensuring that she has an
appropriate body condition and is adequately
supplied with all the trace elements and
mineral she requires to carry a healthy calf.
Other factors to consider include the suitability
of the calving environment available along
with the steps taken during the first critical
hours of a calf’s life, which not only influence
the chances of survival but may also
determine how quickly she grows, at what
age she gets in calf and how much milk
she produces during her life.
With this in mind FarmSkills run ‘Calf Rearing -
Birth to Weaning’ workshops to equip
delegates with the confidence, knowledge
and practical skills to improve their
calf production.
By the end of the workshop attendees will
be able to; plan and prepare for a successful
calving period, conduct basic first aid to
resuscitate the newly born calf, provide
appropriate management to maximise survival
rates and outline the key steps required to
produce a healthy well-grown calf which is
in optimum condition to be weaned.
Focusing on the importance of early nutrition,
immunity and weaning, the workshops are
delivered on farm by XLVets practices.
Successful calf production begins long before the
birth of the heifer calf. Even before conception there
are many things to consider in order to maximise
your chance of making her life a success.
The workshops are accompanied by our
FarmSkills fact and workbooks which are
designed for delegates to keep on farm and
refer back to when necessary. They provide
practical advice, tips and check lists covering
all aspects of the course.
For further information on courses running
near you visit our website
or call the FarmSkills team on 01765
608489.
If you have already attended a ‘Calf Rearing
Birth to Weaning’ workshop, why not book on
to attend ‘Calf Rearing Stage Two - Weaning
to First Calving workshop’? To register your
interest complete an online enquiry form or
contact the FarmSkills team.
What do the workshops cover?
● The calving environment and a
practical assessment of facilities
● Colostrum management
● Environmental management
● Weaning strategies and targets
● Milk feeding/rumen development/
calf rationing
● Importance of immunity and how to
maximise it
“The workshop provided concise and
useful information to take back and
implement on my own farm. Both
vets were very knowledgeable and
enthusiastic and the location was
perfect for the day.”
“I now have plans to improve the
ventilation in my calf sheds at home as
well as to regularly monitor progress.
The course has given me practical
advice and tips that are easily followed
to improve production.”
Calf Rearing Delegates - Rosevean Vets workshop
Calf rearing workshops
To find out more
about these courses or to book
onto a course in your area contact your XLVets
r visit
FarmSkills heifer rearing courses
Plan and prepare for successful
heifer production.
Calf rearing part 1:
Maximising calf survival rates
through good management.
Understanding calf development
and optimise growth from birth
to weaning.
Planning for service.
Calf rearing part 2:
Care of the pregnant heifer.
Disease management and
routine preventative health
measures.
Practical workshops
delivered by vets on
farm and tailor made
for you.