Pro Tips for Traveling Calves

Dairy calf management systems have changed considerably compared to past decades.

Today, many dairies do not raise their calves on-site due to larger facilities, specialized management focus, and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) considerations. Now, many baby calves of a week old or less are being transported across multiple states to be raised at dedicated calf nursery enterprises.

Remembering that these animals are newborn babies, those trips require careful attention to detail to ensure the best possible outcomes, including:

1. A Sturdy Start -

Healthy calves start even before they are conceived, with well-vaccinated and correctly nourished dams. From there, vigilant colostrum protocols are necessary to ensure that every calf has sufficient transfer of passive immunity, along with the additional benefits colostrum provides. Finally, don’t send calves that are in any way showing signs of sickness before the trip. All of these details require open and regular communication between source farms and the custom calf raisers on the receiving end.

“Every trip requires foresight into the specific conditions calves will encounter. ”

2. Comfortable quarters –

Trailers should be well bedded, so calves have a clean, dry, comfortable resting surface. Take measures to control the climate to accommodate weather conditions, like installing fans in hot weather. In cold conditions, other modifications may be necessary. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) Gold Standards recommend covering 1/2 to 2/3 of ventilation holes when transporting calves in cold weather, and using calf jackets in addition to bedding if temperatures are less than 50°F. 

3. Full bellies –

The last step before loading the trailer should be to feed calves a full meal of their liquid ration. With a warm, full belly, they will be ready to rest and have as many nutrients and liquids as possible loaded into them as the journey begins. Upon veterinary advice and prescription, some dairies also administer a dose of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prior to the trip to make calves more comfortable. 

4. Strategic travel –

Every trip requires foresight into the specific conditions calves will encounter. In some cases, weather forecasts may dictate delaying the trip. Traveling at night in hot weather can help capture the coolest part of the day. Drivers also should be trained to alter their techniques to limit jerking and abrupt stopping and starting – babies can’t handle rough rides. The DCHA Gold Standards also recommend stopping for rest, feed, and water for a total of 5 hours if the trip is more than 24 hours long.  

5. An efficient receiving program -

Many calf nursery operations deliver a dose of electrolytes immediately as calves are removed from the trailer at their destination. That’s a good idea, because calves will lose systemic water first, so it should be replaced first as well. After that, each animal should be moved to its new home, where it can rest on a dry, well-bedded surface. Milk feedings should resume within a few hours. A dose of Smart Start™ with plasma, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial microbials, or Alpha Colostrum Powder™, also can help support immunity and gut health as calves settle into the new facility.

When considering moving calves, think of how you would prefer to travel on a long trip yourself. You definitely would not want to be hungry, too hot, too cold, resting on a hard surface, or enduring a bumpy ride. Our baby calves deserve the same comforts as we transport them within our production systems.

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