AgriSearch has launched a new five-part video series designed to provide farmers with practical, science-based guidance to improve calf health, performance and welfare.
According to the Northern Ireland farmer-funded research and innovation body, the CalfCheck series follows the full calf-rearing journey, from managing the pre-calving cow through to weaning calves off milk.
Each episode will focus on the key management decisions that will influence lifetime performance, helping farmers to apply proven best practice in a clear, step-by-step way.
Topics covered in the new video series include calf housing; animal heath planning; and vaccinations and biosecurity; along with hygiene practices that reduce disease risk and help minimise early life setbacks.
The series also highlights the importance of colostrum management, with clear, practical advice on colostrum quality, hygiene, storage and feeding to ensure calves will get the best possible start that they can.
According to AgriSearch, CalfCheck combines “expert insight with real on-farm experience from a range of leading contributors”, such as:
- Treenie Bowser, independent farm vet;
- Charlie Casey, calf rearer, Carnhill Holsteins;
- Aaron Browne, Trouw Nutrition;
- Claire Beckett, dairy farmer and nutritionist.
The series also utilises findings from a number of Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI) research studies co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and AgriSearch.
Further detail on this research is available in the Calf Rearing Essentials and OptiHouse booklets, produced by AgriSearch AFBI.
All the episodes of CalfCheck are available via the AgriSearch YouTube channel, with new episodes being released each week.
AgriSearch has said this easy to access and follow format allows farmers and industry stakeholders to follow the series at their own pace and apply their learnings directly to their farms.
AgriSearch is a wholly farmer-funded research and innovation body, dedicated to supporting a sustainable, productive, and resilient agri-food sector.
They work in partnership with primary producers, researchers, and industry leaders to deliver new science and practical solutions tailored to the unique needs of the farming systems.
