Why are calves separated from the cow?

Once a calf is born, it is at immediate risk of picking up infections from the calving environment, the cow or any other animals in the same space. Therefore, it is best practice for disease prevention to remove the calf from the cow immediately after birth. Calves are moved to a clean, freshly bedded area in the company of other calves. It ensures that the calves can be fed the right amount of the nutritious colostrum, in a more hygienic setting. Calves need to consume 8.5 % of birth body weight in colostrum to encourage good immunity. This can be ensured by taking the calf from the cow and feeding the correct amount independently. When the calves grow and are strong enough to graze the fields, they will re-join the dairy herd.