Improve health and growth of young animals on beef farms to improve GHG emission

This practice abstract presents management strategies to improve the health and growth performance of calves in beef production systems.

Better calf health, reduced mortality and improved growth rates contribute to greater production efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output. Key measures include good cow preparation before calving, adequate hygiene and calving facilities, effective calf monitoring, rapid colostrum intake, appropriate feeding strategies and genetic selection for calving ease and maternal traits.

Additional benefits include improved farm profitability, more efficient feed utilisation and better herd management through concentrated breeding and calving periods.