2 Pemeliharaan Anak Sapi

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to calf management, emphasizing key aspects like proper care during birth, feeding strategies, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. It covers the importance of colostrum in the first few days, the use of milk replacers, and introduces feeding protocols for both dairy and beef cattle. The speaker also highlights common health risks, such as pneumonia and digestive issues, and offers practical advice for preventing them. With insights into barn setup, feeding techniques, and disease prevention, this tutorial is invaluable for anyone interested in raising healthy cattle in a commercial setting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper calf housing is essential for their health. Calves can be housed in colonies or individually, but ensuring cleanliness and warmth is crucial, especially during the early stages of life.
• 😀 After birth, immediate care is vital to avoid respiratory issues. Clean the calf quickly and ensure that amniotic fluid does not enter the respiratory system, as this can cause pneumonia.
• 😀 The first 45 days are critical for a calf's immune system, so it should be fed colostrum (mother's milk) for optimal health and protection against diseases.
• 😀 It's important to cut the umbilical cord and sterilize it to prevent infections. Use iodine or antibiotics to ensure proper hygiene and reduce the risk of complications.
• 😀 Feeding milk replacers after the first 45 days is acceptable, but they should be chosen carefully to avoid diarrhea and other digestive issues in the calf.
• 😀 Gradually introduce solid feeds like grass and concentrates, starting around 2-3 weeks of age, to help with the development of the calf's digestive system.
• 😀 Be cautious of feeding too much concentrate too early, as it can lead to digestive problems like diarrhea. Introduce it slowly, and focus on younger, fresh grass initially.
• 😀 The introduction of fresh grass is beneficial for stimulating the growth of the calf's rumen. Start with small amounts of young grass, avoiding dry or old grass.
• 😀 Weaning should ideally occur at 3 months of age. Weaning too early or too late can negatively impact growth and long-term health.
• 😀 Calves should be kept in a safe environment, free from harmful materials. Avoid letting them ingest foreign objects, such as hair, which can cause blockages or digestive issues.
• 😀 Cost efficiency in dairy farming can be achieved by using milk replacers, especially after the first month, as they are more affordable than feeding with fresh milk.

Q & A

Why is the early life stage of a calf considered the most critical period in its life?

The early life stage of a calf is critical because the highest mortality rate occurs during this period, particularly due to issues like pneumonia and improper care immediately after birth.

What is the recommended system for housing calves?

Calves can be housed in either a colony system, where multiple calves share a pen, or an individual system, where each calf is kept in its own pen. The pens should have proper insulation and warmth, especially during the first few days.

How should a calf be assisted immediately after birth?

After birth, it is crucial to ensure that the calf’s airways are clear of amniotic fluid. This can be done by gently wiping the calf and assisting with breathing if necessary to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Why is colostrum important for calves, and how long should it be given?

Colostrum provides essential antibodies that help the calf build its immune system. It should be given within the first 45 days of the calf’s life to ensure proper immunity development.

What is the role of milk replacer in calf care, and when should it be introduced?

Milk replacers are often used when mother's milk is not available or for cost efficiency. They should be introduced if necessary, especially after the first few days, but care must be taken to avoid products that may cause digestive issues like diarrhea.

What is the recommended feeding schedule for calves in the first month?

During the first month, calves should be fed their mother's milk or a suitable milk replacer, ensuring they receive proper nutrients for growth and immune system development.

When should solid foods like grass and concentrates be introduced to a calf?

Solid foods such as grass and concentrates should be introduced at around 3 weeks of age. However, they should be introduced gradually to prevent digestive upset.

What is the recommended time for weaning a calf from milk?

The calf should ideally be weaned at around three months of age to ensure proper growth and development, transitioning them to a solid food diet.

What are the risks of introducing concentrates too early in a calf's diet?

Introducing concentrates too early can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea, as the calf's digestive system is not fully developed to process solid foods efficiently.

Why is it important to ensure that calves do not ingest foreign materials like hair or bedding?

Ingesting foreign materials, such as hair or bedding, can lead to digestive blockages or other health problems, potentially causing the calf to suffer from conditions like obstruction or embolism.