This information is focused on the tips to keep the newborn calf in its best condition.

A calf requires additional care because, like a human infant, it is incredibly vulnerable to infection. Beginning with the dry buffalo program and paying close attention to colostrum management and hygiene, a good evaluation of every newborn calf program must be conducted before the calf begins its regular liquid diet. In the following sections, each essential element of efficient newborn calf care will be discussed.

Pre-Delivery Care!

What Happens During Buffalo's Dry Period?
Although it is commonly ignored, dry times and care can significantly impact how well newborn calves perform.

Vaccination
While Murrah buffalo are in the dry period, the buffalo's vaccination is a significant management choice. Since the calf's immunity is strengthened by the colostrum they generate, the vaccines' immune activation benefits both the milk Murrah buffalo and the calf. Get immunized against acute diseases such as IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV. Additional immunizations for rotavirus, coronavirus, and enterotoxemia may be required if it is known that these illnesses are present on the farm. The vaccination plan for buffaloes and calves should be reviewed at least once a year during a visit to the herd veterinarian. (https://merapashu360.com/cattle/breed/murrah)

Nutrition
Appropriate levels of protein, energy, and trace minerals are needed to guarantee that the newborn calf is supplied with a good base level of nutrition for excellent health after delivery. After carefully examining all available supplements, you may get cattle food online. The health of the buffalo and the calf after calving also depends on maintaining the dry buffalo's body condition score. There are countless options available when you conduct an online search for cattle food.

Dystocia
The dam may suffer as she rejoins the milking herd after a difficult calving, which could affect the calf's performance. With the help of your herd veterinarian, decide when to begin employing a manual calving assist. Difficult calvings can be decreased if buffaloes are placed in a private maternity pen at the first sign of calving and are comfortable under little stress. No more than 5% of the animals should get dystocia.

What Is Included in Colostrum Management?
During the first few weeks of life, a calf's immunity—which develops from a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum, whether it comes from maternal colostrum or a colostrum replacer—is its only line of defense.

Quality
First milking colostrum ought to be creamy, consistent in texture, and free of pathogens, blood, dung, and urine. Using a Brix refractometer, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations greater than 50 g/L signify high-quality colostrum. Colostrum of high grade has a Brix value of at least 22 when measured using a refractometer. A colorimeter is another option, but remember that it can only distinguish between high- and low-quality colostrum and is temperature-sensitive. For high-quality colostrum, less than 100,000 CFU/ML TPC and less than 10,000 CFU/ML TCC are ideal cleanliness levels.

Quantity
Calves should get four quarts of the highest quality, the purest colostrum, within two hours after birth. The following two quarts need to be finished within six to twelve hours. Esophageal tube feeders should only be used when a calf cannot swallow the first four quarts of colostrum on its own. Nipple bottles should be used to deliver colostrum.

Storage
Unfed colostrum should be stored in the freezer or refrigerator for later use. Fresh colostrum from productive producers can frequently be kept in 2- or 4-quart Ziploc bags and should be consumed within three days.

Finally, Calving Season!

Remember that the calving period is our first chance to shape the calf's future course. Make sure there is always a person on hand to help prevent potential problems during labor. If the calving process takes longer than expected, early and thorough assistance is needed to improve calf vigor and lessen stress or damage to the dam.

Maternity quarters and calving areas must be as dry and pristine as possible. The danger of illness or disease for the dam and calf increases when there is an overabundance of moisture or dung. The calving space needs to be cleaned, sterilized, and furnished with warm bedding between calves.

When the calf is taken away from the dam soon after birth, the risk of pathogen exposure in the maternity enclosure is decreased. It is forbidden to let the calf nurse from the dam. The dam is often allowed to lick the calf, which increases the calf's vigor.

Each calf should have its navel and umbilical stump immersed in a 7% tincture of iodine as soon as it is born. A second dip may be necessary at 24 hours of age if the farm has a history of joint problems and navel infections.

Conclusion
It's essential to take care of a calf and its mother to maintain the health and safety of your cattle and the operation of your farm. You can check for essential nutrients and purchase bovine feeds online for nursing Murrah buffalo and calves. MeraPashu360 platform allows you to purchase animals online, including buffalo and cattle feed. For the convenience of farmers, cattle & cattle feed can even be delivered to their homes.