Describe the care and management of a new-born dairy calf from birth to weaning, under the following headings: (i) Care at birth: (ii) Changes in diet (iii) Housing (iv) Disease control - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 12 - 2019

Initially, the calf should be fed colostrum, followed by a gradual introduction of cow's milk or milk replacer. As the calf grows, it can start to receive concentrates and eventually hay or roughage.

Housing should include clean straw bedding and a hygienic environment. The calf should be kept in a dry area with good ventilation and adequate space to prevent overcrowding. Proper lighting and access to fresh water are also crucial.

To manage diseases, vaccinations should be implemented as per veterinary advice. Isolation of sick animals is necessary to prevent the spread of infections. Regular monitoring of health and good feeding practices will help in disease management.

Mastitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections.

Common symptoms include swelling or lumps on the udder, tenderness, redness, and changes in milk appearance, such as yellowing or bloody coloration.

Maintaining hygiene helps prevent the contamination of milk and reduces the risk of transferring bacteria from one cow to another.

1. Cleaning the milking equipment thoroughly before use.
2. Ensuring udder hygiene by cleaning with a suitable disinfectant prior to milking.
3. Filtering the milk to remove any impurities and maintaining a clean milk storage tank.

To compare the hygiene quality, two samples of milk can be collected from different cows. Each sample should be inoculated in sterilized test tubes containing agar plates. After allowing them to incubate for 15 minutes at 37°C, the plates can be evaluated based on colony counts to determine the relative hygiene quality.