A new born calf will typically weigh between 40 to 50kg. Achieving an early and adequate intake of colostrum (the first milk produced by the calf’s mother following calving) is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and performance.
Calves are either housed in groups or reared in individual pens to weaning, and bedded on straw. The individual pens comply with all the recognized welfare codes in terms of dimensions, with calves having visual and tactile contact with other calves.
There are 2.3 million dairy cows in the UK, each producing around 5900 litres per annum. Half of the milk is used for liquid consumption while the balance is processed. Use in cheese making accounts for half of all processed use.
