Calf Care Quick Tip: Car Seats for Calves
Posted on November 9, 2012 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
On many dairies, calves are moved at least once to separate rearing facilities. Since we can’t buckle up baby calves in car seats, we have to find other ways to ensure the animals arrive safely and in good health. As outlined in the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association’s Gold Standards III, here are some tips for transporting animals comfortably and humanely:
- Newborn calves should be dry, able to stand and at least 24-hours-old before transporting
- Prepare floors of transport units with sawdust, wood shavings, straw or sand to promote secure footing and absorption of urine and manure
- Schedule trips to minimize the number of hours calves are on the truck
- In hot weather, schedule hauling at night or in the cooler part of the day
- In cold weather, cover half or two-thirds of the holes in the trailer to reduce wind-chill
- If traveling for more than 24 hours with animals above 4 months of age, stop at a clean facility for a feed and water break for a minimum of five hours
This article was originally shared as a Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Tip of the Week on November 22, 2011.
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