Page 166 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

rumen development and help calves to begin digesting solid food. Calf starter
feed can be purchased or formulated at home using crushed maize, oilseed cake,
bran, salt, and mineral supplements. This mixture must be fresh, dry, and supplied
in clean containers. By the third week, soft grass or hay should also be added to
the diet. These feeds help develop the calf’s stomach system and prepare it for
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weaning.
Weaning should start when the calf can consume at least 1 kilogram of concentrate
feed per day, usually between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The process must be
gradual to avoid stress or weight loss. For example, the amount of milk can be
reduced step by step over 5 - 7 days, while the quantity of calf starter and hay is
increased. Daily monitoring is necessary to confirm that the calf is eating well
and remains active. If a calf shows weakness or refuses solid feed, full weaning
should be delayed until its condition improves.

Calf housing and hygiene

Calves must be housed in safe, clean, and well ventilated places. Each pen should
be at least 1 metre wide and 1.5 metres long. The floor must allow drainage and
be covered with dry bedding such as straw or sawdust. Pens must protect the
calf from wind, cold and direct sunlight. Young calves may be kept alone or in
groups. Group pens work well if calves are of similar age and health. Pens must
be cleaned daily to avoid disease-causing microorganisms. The calf pen should
be equipped with facilities to provide clean water and feed.
Management operations for calves
Dairy calves must be identified early so their records can be tracked throughout
their life. The two common methods widely used in Tanzania are ear tagging
Figure 9.9 (a) and ear tattooing 9.9 (b). These methods are practical and permanent
when done properly. Tags are attached through the ear using a tagging tool (called
Tag applicator) and often carry the animal’s number and farm code.. The tattoo is
made using a special tool with ink. It is permanent but may become hard to read
if not done well.

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