How to Choose a Healthy Calf

A good calf is the start of a productive animal. Whether you are building a herd or adding a single animal, a careful look before you buy saves money and heartache later.

What to look for

• Alert and active, with bright eyes and a clean, moist nose.
• A smooth, shiny coat, with no patches of hair loss.
• Clean, dry navel with no swelling.
• Strong legs and a steady walk, with no limping.
• Normal breathing and no persistent cough.
• Firm dung, not watery.

Ask for the history

Ask about the calf’s parents, birth date, colostrum feeding, vaccinations and any past illness. Good records are a sign of a farm that looks after its animals.

See it in person

If you can, visit the farm, see the calf on its feet and see how it is housed and fed. We are happy to show you our calves and answer your questions. Ask about calves.

General farm advice from The Great Munenes Farm. For health concerns about people or animals, consult a doctor or a qualified veterinarian.