The care and management of cattle and buffalo are central to successful dairy and livestock farming. Their growth, fertility, and milk production depend on proper nourishment, hygiene, housing, and scientific handling from birth to adulthood. Understanding each production stage helps farmers improve animal health and maximize herd productivity.
Care and Management of Pre-Ruminant Calves
The period from birth to five days is crucial because this stage determines future growth and organ development. Cleanliness and disinfection are essential since disease resistance in newborn calves is still developing. Their immunity mainly depends on the immunoglobulin antibodies gained through colostrum, which can be absorbed only within the first 24 hours of life.
Importance of Colostrum Feeding
Colostrum is rich in total solids, minerals, casein, albumin, globulins, and vitamins A, D, and E. Feeding the calf half a liter of colostrum within two hours of birth ensures passive immunity. Calves should receive colostrum equivalent to one-tenth of their body weight daily for the first five days.
If colostrum is unavailable, whole milk combined with castor oil can be provided for the first three to five days to support digestion.
Milk Feeding and Best Practices
Calves should be fed milk at one-tenth of their body weight, targeting a daily weight gain of 500 grams. Whole milk feeding should continue for a minimum of two weeks. Milk must be fed at body temperature, around 39°C, using clean and sterilized utensils. Feeding twice daily maintains consistency and reduces digestive upsets.
Feeding Calf Starter
As milk becomes insufficient, calf starter supports rumen development. An ideal starter contains 20% digestible crude protein and 70% total digestible nutrients. It is typically composed of grains, legumes, minerals, vitamins, and antibiotics to support early growth.
Care and Management of Dry Cows
Dry cows need special attention because this period allows udder tissues to repair and prepares the animal for the next lactation. Intra mammary antibiotic treatment helps prevent or control mastitis. Vaccinations for salmonella and mastitis should be administered approximately 12 weeks before calving.
Overcrowding must be prevented to reduce disease transmission. Each cow should have 75–100 square feet of space with adequate bedding materials like straw or wood shavings.
Care and Management of Pregnant Cows and Buffaloes
A pregnant cow requires gentle handling to avoid stress or injuries that may lead to abortion. The diet should include 3.5 kg concentrate feed, 25–35 kg of green fodder, and around 5 kg of paddy straw daily.
Animals must be protected from slippery floors, harsh weather conditions, long-distance travel, and fighting within the herd. Clean drinking water and comfortable shelter further support fetal development.
Care and Management of Lactating Cows
Lactating animals need extra care to maintain milk yield and body condition. Clean housing, good sanitation, and weather protection are essential. Vaccination schedules must include yearly immunization against rinderpest, black quarter, and anthrax, while FMD vaccinations should occur every four months.
Animals can be grouped based on their milk yield for easier management and feeding.
Drying Off Dairy Cows
A dry period of 50–60 days is necessary for udder tissue repair and physiological adjustment. This rest period reduces mastitis risk and prepares the cow for the next lactation.
Methods of Drying Off
- Sudden Stop Method: Reducing concentrates a week before completely stopping milking.
- Irregular Milking Method: Milking once a day until the udder gradually dries.
- Incomplete Milking Method: Partially milking the cow until milk production ceases.
Care and Management of Bulls
Bulls contribute half of the genetic potential of a herd, making their care essential. Young bulls are separated at six months of age. Their diet should provide 12–15% DCP and 70% TDN, along with legume hay and adequate dry matter.
Regular exercise, proper ringing, training, disbudding, and maintaining the right body condition help ensure breeding efficiency. Selection should prioritize age, breed, pedigree, health, and offspring quality.
Maintaining High Fertility Levels in a Herd
Herd fertility depends on nutrition, environment, genetics, and reproductive management. Avoiding sudden dietary changes around calving prevents metabolic stress. Temperature fluctuations can influence hormone levels, making ventilation and cooling important.
Breeding records help monitor heat cycles, conception rates, and service numbers. Bulls with poor semen quality should be separated. Similarly, females should be selected based on ovulation behavior, mothering ability, and reproductive efficiency.
A well-balanced diet, good hygiene, and access to quality artificial insemination services significantly improve fertility performance.
Conclusion
Scientific care and management of cattle and buffalo ensure healthier animals, improved fertility, higher milk yields, and sustainable farm productivity. By adopting proper feeding, hygiene, vaccination, and reproductive monitoring, farmers can maximize herd performance and contribute to Nepal’s growing livestock sector.
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Updated on December 4 2025
