Management is the judicious use of existing resources to get optimum survival and health status while dealing with young calves. Calf management has become a crucially important management practice in the dairy industry. It is a matter of concern that the highest mortality rate happens in the calf section which is an important factor of economic loss in dairy production. Consequently, a shortage of replacement heifers may occur. The replacement heifers are future mothers needed to be inducted into the dairy herd at the rate of 30% each year for sustainable milk production at any successful dairy farm. 

Calf management is started even before the birth of young one and advanced pregnant cows or buffaloes are shifted to maternity pen in last week of expected parturition. The maternity pen is facilitated with soft bedding, curtains, cross ventilation and a ceiling hook. One special attendant is deputed to assist the animal while delivery process if needed. The first hour of life after birth is the most critical time while managing newly born calf. The first step is to clean nostrils and mouth and ensure the breathing of calf. If calf is not started breathing, then press and relax the chest softly which may help animal to initiate the process of breathing. Sometimes this does not work, then calf must be hanged with head downward. Consequently, blood pressure increases towards lungs and resultantly breathing may be started.

Calf management is started even before the birth of young one and advanced pregnant cows or buffaloes are shifted to maternity pen in last week of expected parturition. The maternity pen is facilitated with soft bedding, curtains, cross ventilation and a ceiling hook. One special attendant is deputed to assist the animal while delivery process if needed. The first hour of life after birth is the most critical time while managing newly born calf. The first step is to clean nostrils and mouth and ensure the breathing of calf. If calf is not started breathing, then press and relax the chest softly which may help animal to initiate the process of breathing. Sometimes this does not work, then calf must be hanged with head downward. Consequently, blood pressure increases towards lungs and resultantly breathing may be started.

The calf is permitted to be licked clean by the mother, which increases circulation in the calf’s body and prepares the calf to stand, walk, and eventually suckle mother feed. The naval cord is tied with strong thread 2 inches from the base of the body and then cut using a clean scissor. The naval cord is then soaked in an iodine tincture solution and dipped again after 12 hours, as the naval is the main entry point for serious infections.

The thick milk produced by cows in the first three days following calving is known as colostrum. Bohli, also known as colostrum, is the initial gift from a mother to her calf, providing passive immunity and protecting the baby from future infections. It is far more nutritious and contains double or more elements than regular whole milk, with the exception of half milk sugar, or lactose, which is not digestible by newborn calves. A calf that has just been born must be fed at a rate of 10% of its body weight. Within 24 hours, a 40-kilogram calf requires 4 liters of colostrum. Half of the colostrum must be given to the calf within the first two hours of life, and the rest must be given within the first 12 hours. Feeding colostrum after 24 hours may not be beneficial in protecting the calf from infection.

Milk replacer can be used instead of milk bucket feeding through calf nipples that are appropriately developed. Milk replacer comes in powder form and can be dissolved in hot water (40° C) at a ratio of about 1:9. One kilogramme of milk replacer is enough to make 9 litres of milk. Utensils and nipples must be cleansed and disinfected with a hot, antiseptic solution on a regular basis. When managing milk feeding, it is vital to wear hand gloves. The cost of milk replacer is typically half that of whole milk at market value. In the first week after delivery, however, the water temperature must be maintained, and antibiotic powder    may be used. The inclusion of antibiotic powder will inhibit germs from growing as well as accelerate the growth of calves. In this case, Kanamycin and Neomycin are the best options.

Calf starter is a solid meal made up largely of grains that can be given to calves as young as 15 days old. From the second week of life, calves begin eating a small amount of dry starter. A calf starter should be highly palatable. It should be high in energy and protein (TDN 75% and CP 18%). The best example of calf starter may be made from ground maize 52%, oat 20%, soybean meal 20%, molasses 5%, salt 0.5%, mineral mixture 1.5% and vitamin premix 1%. Calf starter may be fed on free-choice basis until the calf starts consuming about one kilogram.

When the calf begins to eat 0.4 to 0.5 kg of calf starter daily, one time milking must be stopped, and if the calf consumes 1 kg, both times milk feeding must be stopped since the rumen is fully developed and the calf can now digest roughage sufficiently. Calves usually reach this stage between the ages of 2 and 3 months. Deworming should begin between 10-14 days of birth and continue monthly until the 6^th month age. The certified Veterinarian must be consulted for vaccinations when the animal is three months old.