Autumn calving will be well advanced in many herds across the country. In well-managed herds, routine management tasks are always completed on time.

Don’t put off essential jobs to a later date if there is time to complete them now, especially when it comes to calf health.

Outlined are five management jobs to keep on top of with autumn-born calves this autumn.

1. Dehorning

The earlier dehorning is carried out the better. Removing the horn buds early places less stress on the calf. The buds are also easier to burn and remove.

Regardless of which method is used to remove horn buds, make sure calves are properly restrained and given an anaesthetic before carrying out this task. Leave adequate time for anaesthetic to work.

Once horn buds have been removed, cauterise the opening with a hot iron and apply an antiseptic spray.

2. Clostridial vaccines

Farms with a history of clostridial problems should administer a vaccine to calves, particularly where calves are running on heavier or poached soils this autumn.

3. Pneumonia and IBR vaccines

Consider vaccinating calves for pneumonia to cut down on respiratory problems this winter. A vaccine is not 100% effective on its own, nor does it compensate for poor management or poor shed hygiene.

But when vaccines are properly administered and calves are well managed, the risk is reduced significantly.

An IBR vaccine is recommended on farms where there store cattle or replacements are purchased annually, as these animals will shed the virus when stressed.

4. Calf creep hygiene

Autumn calves should have access to a creep pen with a clean, dry bedded area. Wet and soiled bedding is a haven for diseases to multiply and spread to young, vulnerable animals, particularly scours.

Bedding should be topped up regularly and cleaned out once per month. Calves should also have access to silage, fresh water and concentrates in creep areas.

5. On-off grazing

Where housing and ground conditions permit, letting calves to creep outside and graze paddocks surrounding the farm yard will improve performance.

It will take a few days to train calves to move in and out of sheds, but they will soon get the hang of it.

Letting calves outside for a few weeks after cows are housed will also improve calf health, as well as easing the silage demand from cows.