Manejo de bezerras leiteiras: relato de caso

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Efficient calf management is essential for success in dairy cattle production, influencing initial development and subsequent productive performance of the animals. This study addresses management practices from the last 30 days of gestation to weaning, emphasizing nutrition, sanitary management, environment, and general care. OBJECTIVES: The central objective is to highlight the importance of adequate management practices to promote healthy growth, disease resistance, and optimized productive performance throughout the animal's life, contributing to the sustainability and profitability of dairy production. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted by following a Holstein cow from the last 30 days of gestation to calf weaning. Nutritional and sanitary management practices, colostrum administration, periodic calf weighing, and monitoring of housing and feeding environments were observed and recorded. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Proper nutritional management of the cow ensured healthy fetal development and high-quality colostrum production. The calf showed consistent and healthy weight gain during the nursing period. Implementation of hygiene and environmental care practices resulted in low disease incidence and high survival rates. The results highlight the importance of proper management during the calf's early days of life. Practices such as early colostrum administration and maintaining a clean and safe environment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. The use of technologies to monitor animal health and behavior can complement and enhance these practices. CONCLUSION: Efficient calf management is crucial to ensure animal health and proper development, significantly contributing to the sustainability and profitability of dairy production. Adopting correct management practices from gestation to weaning is essential for producing high-quality animals and optimizing herd productivity.