Marketing calves from dairy breeds can be challenging, as these breeds are primarily known for their milk production rather than their meat quality. Nevertheless, there are various strategies for making calves marketable.

The aim of the dairy farm is to provide uniform batches of age-appropriate, healthy calves from 28 days of age.

The change of farm is undoubtedly stressful for the calves. In order to minimise the stress of the transition, it is important to be aware of the relevant risks involved in the transfer from the farm of origin (via the dealer) to the fattening farm. Appropriate measures should be agreed with the fattening farm/dealer, for example within the framework of a marketing standard.

Joint marketing/cooperation is recommended for farms with small numbers of calves.

The following points, which are relevant for both the farm of origin and the fattening farm, could be included in a marketing standard:

• Minimum weight for male calves at 28 days:
  • for dairy breeds (Holstein/Brown Swiss) > 60 kg
  • for crossbred calves > 70 kg (possibly more, depending on the sire breed)
• Good, stable health without anatomical defects
  • No signs of endo- and ectoparasites (coccidia, lice, etc.)
  • Free from umbilical inflammation
  • Information on feeding and forage regime
  • Agreement on dehorning (if necessary, this should already have been done at 28 days)
  • Agreements on the type and cost of vaccinations
  • Proof of treatments, e.g. with antibiotics
• For crossbred calves: mating of sire breeds in consultation with the fattening farm

A healthy calf needs sufficient nutrients to develop properly. Without an adequate milk intake, the calf is more susceptible to disease and may not gain enough weight before it is ready for market.

Ad libitum feeding

Calves are allowed to drink as much milk as they like at any time. Ad-libitum feeding offers the opportunity to fully exploit the calves’ growth potential. When managed correctly, high growth rates and healthy calves can be expected.

However, ad libitum feeding requires consistent monitoring and hygiene from the farmer and is therefore only recommended if sufficiently trained and reliable animal carers are available, even during peak periods in outdoor farming operations.

Rationed calf feeding

The calves are given two (preferably three) meals a day with a defined amount of milk. The advantages include a lower hygiene risk, as the feed is consumed directly, as well as lower consumption of milk or milk replacer. Feeding hygiene is supported after milk intake by adding a small amount of water (100–200 ml) to the feeding bucket to facilitate self-cleaning.

To achieve the growth rates mentioned above with a market weight of > 60 kg, the recommendation is:

• 2 x 5 l whole milk for purebred calves of dairy breeds
• 2 x 6 l whole milk for crossbred calves (higher growth potential)

Milk replacer with high nutrient availability may also be used. The quantity should be adjusted to the level of whole milk feeding in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Calves reared under intensive conditions are weaned with a significantly better body condition score (BCS) than those reared under restrictive conditions. In studies by Schuldt and Dinse (2020), increasing the daily water allowance to more than 8 litres led to a significant improvement in the calves’ body condition and health status.¹

Note: in these studies, female calves were examined until sexual maturity without a change of farm. In the working group’s opinion, these results can be readily applied to male calves.

The Animal Welfare and Livestock Management Regulations stipulate that calves must have an adequate supply of water from the age of two weeks. However, even younger calves should have access to water at all times, regardless of the method used for feeding them milk.