Calves born on St Patrick’s Day are now two months of age. To get these calves to catch up to the older bunch and to be at target weight at breeding in 12 months’ time, they will need some extra care. Keep them on milk for as long as possible.

Depending on numbers, some farmers will keep them on fields close to the parlour and give them milk for the next few months. Even the first few gallons of milk and rinse water when washing the milking machine.

Give them ad-lib access to meal, but protect the meal from crows and other vermin. It is probably still too early to be worming the older bunch of calves. It is better to wait for signs of worms before giving a dose. Remember to give the second shot of blackleg vaccine to calves.

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