How to spot the signs of cold stress in calves

The weather is getting cooler and you don’t want your calves to experience cold stress. Calves' lower critical temperature is 15ºc, so you don’t want them to be putting energy into keeping warm instead of growth and keeping healthy.

Cold Stress in newborn calves significantly decreases the rate of absorption of immunoglobulins up to 15 hours after first feed of colostrum making them more susceptible to certain diseases. Also putting energy into keeping warm instead of growing results in lower growth rates.

Older calves may have a thicker layer of fat under the skin, unlike calves under three weeks old which don’t and are more susceptible to cold weather effects. When putting energy into keeping warm, this can also suppress their immune system and leave them at a higher disease risk.

• Putting on calf coats when it gets cooler
• Increasing solid intakes
• Clean, dry, and bedded down well- nesting score three, legs not visible when lying down
• Minimise draughts
• Heat lamp

Read more: Calf Jackets - Are we using them correctly?

It is crucial to have a plan in place for young calves when the temperature drops, so taking action will help maintain the calves temperature, support growth and promote calf health. Keeping calves warm, dry and healthy will ensure they perform to their full potential. After all, this is the most important stage of life and you want to give them the best start possible.

Speak to your local Calf and Youngstock specialist for more information or to set protocols in place.