Calves are raised in clean sheds, protected from the elements, and provided with milk, water, and solid feed to help them grow and thrive.

Calves are mostly born outdoors in the paddock and moved into protected housing after a few hours and provided colostrum (first milk).  

Farmers feed all calves enough colostrum to make sure they can build strong immune systems that will help protect them from disease.¹  

Most female calves, called heifers, are raised on the farm this way. They are typically weaned at around eight to twelve weeks of age, transitioning onto pasture and, if needed, high-quality grain. As they grow, these heifers continue to be well cared for and eventually join the milking herd as adults. 

Male calves, on the other hand, may follow different pathways. For more information, read what happens to male calves.

Find out more about how farmers care for calves visit dairyaustralia.com.au

References

1. Tyler, J. W., S. M. Parish, T. E. Besser, D. C. Van Metre, G. M. Barrington, and J. R. Middleton. 1999. Detection of low serum immunoglobulin concentration in clinically ill calves. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 13: 40-43.