While it is one of the most delicate phases in livestock farming, consistent management and attention to early-life detail can make calf rearing a strong foundation for long-term herd success.
Drawing on hands-on experience across dairy, beef, and sheep systems, Mkansi emphasises that effective calf rearing is built on four key pillars: timing, observation, hygiene, and nutrition.
Understanding calf rearing in practice
Calf rearing refers to the process of raising a young calf after birth, either through milk feeding, dam rearing (calf–cow contact), or hand-rearing when necessary.
As Mkansi explains, “Calf rearing is the process of raising a calf after birth, whether through milk feeding or after weaning it from the mother. It is a critical stage because it determines the profitability and future productivity of the farm.”
In dairy systems, rearing often begins almost immediately after birth, while in beef systems, intervention is typically minimal unless the calf is orphaned or the dam cannot care for it.
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Colostrum: The foundation of survival and immunity
A consistent theme throughout Mkansi’s advice is the central importance of colostrum management.
“Within the first two to six hours, the calf should have received colostrum to avoid failure of passive immunity,” he notes.
This early intake provides passive immunity, where antibodies from the mother are transferred to the calf, protecting it during its most vulnerable stage.
Mkansi notes that without it, calves are highly susceptible to disease. “If colostrum is not managed properly, calves can develop diarrhoea, pneumonia, fever, and poor growth, and in severe cases, this can lead to death.”
Energy before growth: Getting early nutrition right
While protein supports growth, Mkansi stresses that energy is the immediate priority in newborn calves.
Ensuring adequate energy and protein intake in colostrum and early calf nutrition is essential for supporting both immediate survival and long-term development. According to a Calf Notes article and a dairy calf rearing guide by the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture, colostrum is not only a source of antibodies but also provides vital nutrients such as fat (energy) and protein, which help the newborn calf stand, maintain body temperature, and sustain early growth.
“Energy is more important at this stage because the calf needs it to stand, maintain body temperature, and survive. Protein supports growth, but without energy, the calf cannot function,” Mkansi says. Colostrum, he explains, provides both energy and protein, making it an essential first feed.
Feeding practices and early growth expectations
In structured dairy systems, feeding routines are typically standardised:
- Around 4 litres of milk per day (split into morning and afternoon feeds)
- Gradual reduction of milk before weaning
- Introduction of supplementary feed from an early stage
Mkansi adds that monitoring weight is essential, particularly in beef systems: “Body weight is very important. The heavier the calf is, the more value it has later in the production system.”
In beef production, early weight gain is closely linked to market returns, making growth tracking a key management tool.
Weaning without stress
Weaning is a critical transition that can easily stress calves if poorly managed.
In dairy systems, Mkansi recommends a gradual reduction approach:
- Milk reduced to once daily from around week seven
- Introduction of solid feed alongside milk reduction
- Weaning done in groups to reduce stress
“Weaning should be gradual so that calves adjust from milk dependency to solid feed without stress,” he says.
In beef systems, creep feeding is commonly used to support weight gain and reduce nutritional shock during weaning.
Disease prevention and biosecurity
Health management is a cornerstone of successful calf rearing. Mkansi highlights diarrhoea as the most common and costly challenge.
“Diarrhoea is the most frequent issue in calves and is usually caused by poor colostrum management,” he explains.
Other common conditions include:
- Pneumonia (linked to poor ventilation)
- Eye infections such as “pink eye” (often linked to fly infestation)
To prevent disease spread, he strongly emphasises hygiene. “Biosecurity is very important. Disinfection when entering and exiting pens prevents cross-contamination between animals,” he says.
While colostrum provides early protection, calves still require vaccination support as their own immune systems develop. Vaccination programmes typically begin within the first weeks of life and are adjusted depending on production systems and disease risks.
The guide by the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture also expands on disease prevention and vaccination programmes, providing farmers with structured schedules for managing bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections to support improved herd health and productivity.
Environmental management and pest control
Calf housing conditions directly affect health and performance. Cleanliness and ventilation are essential.
Mkansi recommends:
- Regular disinfection of pens
- Control of flies and parasites using insecticides
- Maintaining well-ventilated housing to prevent respiratory disease
Poor environmental control, he notes, quickly leads to stress, reduced feed intake, and slower growth. Farmers often overlook small hygiene steps, but these small mistakes can lead to serious disease outbreaks.
“Biosecurity and timing are everything; if you get those right in the first weeks, you set the calf up for a productive life,” he emphasises.
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