Healthy calves and heifers are the future of every dairy farm in India, yet many farmers still lose young animals due to preventable problems in feeding, housing, and disease control. By following clear routines, farmers can raise strong replacements that calve early and produce more milk throughout life. This article explains Top 10 Calf and Heifer Rearing Protocols Used in India in a practical manner so that students, entrepreneurs, and experienced farmers can improve results and reduce avoidable economic losses. These protocols reflect recommendations from Indian dairy research and training materials on calf and heifer management.
#1 Immediate colostrum feeding and newborn care
The first protocol starts at birth with immediate care of the newborn calf. Help the calf breathe freely, dry the body and place it on clean bedding so that it does not chill. Colostrum should be fed as early as possible, preferably within the first two hours of life, because it supplies antibodies, energy and vitamins that protect against early diseases. Many Indian dairies allow the calf to suckle directly, while others use a clean feeding bottle or pail. The important rule is generous, timely colostrum feeding in a hygienic environment. This simple step greatly cuts early mortality and medical costs.
#2 Navel cord care and strict shed hygiene
The second protocol focuses on hygiene during the first week of life. The navel cord should be cut with a clean blade and dipped in an iodine or other approved disinfectant solution to prevent entry of germs. Bedding must stay dry, with regular removal of dung and urine around the calf. Flies and mosquitoes should be controlled because they spread many infections. Separate sick animals from healthy ones and wash hands, buckets and bottles after every use. When hygiene becomes a habit in the shed, calves stay stronger and treatment costs reduce naturally. Clean surroundings also improve staff comfort and safety.
#3 Planned milk feeding and stress free weaning
The third protocol is to follow a planned milk feeding schedule instead of random quantities. Calves should receive adequate milk based on body weight and growth, divided into two or three feeds per day at fixed timings. Sudden changes in volume, temperature or feeding time often cause digestive upset and scours. Along with milk, fresh water must be available from the first week. Gradual weaning over several weeks, rather than sudden stoppage, reduces stress on the calf and the farmer. In many Indian herds this means weaning between three and five months of age.
#4 Solid feed for early rumen development
The fourth protocol promotes early rumen development through solid feed. From about two weeks of age, offer a small quantity of good quality calf starter and soft hay in a clean trough. The calf will begin to nibble, which stimulates the rumen to grow and function properly. Increase the amount slowly as intake improves and avoid fines, mouldy feed or sudden shifts in type of concentrate. Green fodder can be introduced in tender form after the first month. Strong rumen development supports higher growth rates and prepares the young animal for future high producing diets.
#5 Comfortable housing for calves and heifers
The fifth protocol deals with comfortable housing for calves and heifers. Young calves need dry, well drained floors, protection from direct draughts and strong sun, and enough space to lie down fully. Many farms use simple individual pens or small group pens that can be cleaned easily. Good ventilation without chilling is vital, especially in hot and humid regions of India where pneumonia spreads quickly in crowded, poorly aired sheds. Older calves and heifers can be shifted to roomy group housing with separate feeding and resting areas for better management. Floors should have gentle slope so that urine drains away.
#6 Vaccination, deworming and daily health checks
The sixth protocol is a strict health care schedule. All calves should receive vaccinations as per local veterinary advice for diseases such as foot and mouth disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia and others that are common in the area. Regular deworming from early age keeps the digestive tract healthy and supports better growth. Observe each calf daily for signs like dullness, cough, nasal discharge, swellings, diarrhoea or reduced appetite and call a veterinarian early when problems appear. Keeping a simple health register helps the farmer and veterinarian review past treatments and plan preventive measures. Good preventive care always costs less than repeated emergency treatment.
#7 Growth monitoring and breeding weight targets
The seventh protocol is to monitor growth and set clear targets for young stock. Calves should double their birth weight by three months and continue to grow steadily so that heifers reach suitable body weight and height for breeding at around fifteen to eighteen months, depending on breed and system. Using a tape to estimate body weight and recording height at the withers once in two or three months gives a quick picture of progress. If growth falls behind, it signals the need to improve feeding, health or housing support for that group. Regular weighing also motivates staff to follow the feeding plan.
#8 Balanced nutrition and mineral support for heifers
The eighth protocol covers balanced nutrition for growing heifers. Once they are weaned, young animals require plenty of good quality green fodder, dry roughage and a well formulated concentrate mixture to meet their energy and protein needs. Adequate minerals and vitamins are equally important, particularly calcium, phosphorus and trace elements that support bone growth and hormonal balance. Farmers can use commercially prepared mineral mixtures or locally recommended formulations. Overfeeding energy rich concentrate without balance leads to over fat heifers that face calving and fertility problems later. A balanced ration builds a productive lifetime dairy cow.
#9 Careful breeding management and heat detection
The ninth protocol is careful breeding management for heifers. Service should start only when the animal has reached the desired body weight and frame, not just a particular age. Early breeding of undersized heifers often results in difficult calving and poor milk yield, while very late breeding wastes feed and time. Farmers and workers must learn to identify heat signs such as restlessness, mounting behaviour, bellowing and mucus discharge, and arrange mating or artificial insemination at the right time. Proper breeding reduces calving problems and increases the chance of a strong, healthy first lactation. Selection of good bulls also improves herd genetics.
#10 Records, training and continuous improvement culture
The tenth protocol ties everything together with good records and regular training. Simple registers for birth, colostrum time, feeding, health events, growth measurements and breeding help the farmer see patterns and correct mistakes quickly. Training sessions with veterinarians, extension staff or experienced farmers allow workers to update skills and clear doubts about calf and heifer care. Visual charts on shed walls reinforce daily routines. When everyone on the farm understands why each step matters, protocols are followed more consistently and the next generation of cows and buffaloes becomes stronger, more productive and more profitable. This culture of learning keeps the dairy progressive and resilient.