Transitioning Weaner Calves from the Dairy Farm to Grower Farm
Moving weaner calves from the dairy farm to a grower property is a critical step in their development. A smooth transition ensures they stay healthy, grow well, and don’t lose the growth momentum you’ve built up. The key is to prepare them for the big changes ahead—from their diet and routine to their new environment. By following these simple steps, you can help reduce the stress on your animals and set them up for success with the grower.
One Month Before the Big Move
Off milk and reduce meal intake
Preparation begins weeks before the calves hit the road. This is your chance to get them ready both physically and mentally. Start by checking their weight and diet. Make sure they are at a suitable weight to be weaned off meal. If they aren’t, you may need to arrange for a supply of meal to go with them to the grower farm to keep them on track.
Fibre and regular paddock moves
To get their digestive systems ready for a new diet, introduce fibre like straw or hay. This “scratch factor” helps develop their rumen and protect the rumen from rapid changes in diet which may occur going from one farm to another and where pasture qualities may differ. Fibre in the diet can prevent unnecessary diseases occurring at this time of transition. Move them to a new paddock every 1 to 2 days. This will get them used to a regular rotation, which they’ll likely experience at the grower farm.
Vaccinations
Update their vaccinations. Ensure all vaccinations are current, including those for Lepto (3 or 4-way), BVD, and Clostridial diseases. Be sure to talk with your vet if you’re not sure what to do and let your New Zealand Grazing Company Service Manager know what has been done and what may be needed in the future.
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Registration
Ensure all animals leaving your farm are registered on NAIT with 2 tags – the lifetime tag and the NAIT/EID tag, and in your herd records (MINDA or myHERD). Check that all weaners are present on your herd records (count those in your paddock and those in your herd records to make sure all are registered). Once they have left your farm you cannot register them.
Weigh with the New Zealand Grazing Company Team
Our team will arrive to set up our gear. We will drench, tag, and then weigh all the calves heading out to grazing. At this time, we will ensure all calves are healthy and ready to leave. We may reject the occasional animal that isn’t up to weight or requires further attention before leaving. This is to ensure that your calves can hit the ground growing at the other end.
The Day of the Move
The less stress on the day, the better. A calm departure leads to a smoother arrival. Four to six hours before the truck arrives, remove green feed ie get them off grass. This helps prevent digestive upset during transit. Provide water and a source of fibre like hay or silage until they are loaded. Load them calmly by ensuring the calves are loaded onto the truck as quietly and calmly as possible. Don’t forget to notify your Service Manager immediately they have trucked and complete the NAIT movement within 48 hours of the calves being trucked.
First Month at the Grower Farm (and Beyond)
The first few weeks are crucial for helping the calves settle in. As a grower, you should provide water and fibre immediately as soon as the calves are unloaded. This helps them settle and prevents them from overindulging in lush, high-quality grass, which can cause digestive issues particularly post trucking with an empty stomach. If you use working dogs, keep them away from the calves for the first week or so to minimize stress.
Maintain fibre availability by continuing to provide hay or silage to help slow down the rumination of any high-quality grass. Regularly move them, ideally every 1 to 2 days. Studies have shown that young stock will eat to capacity if offered fresh feed more often. This will help with growth rates. Don’t let them get bored- the same paddock becomes boring after day two!
Keep in contact with your Service Manager about any ill health or animals requiring attention.
By following this guide, you can give your calves the best possible start on their new property, setting them up for a future of healthy growth and productivity.
Aaron Leppard
Lead Manager Waikato
