The health of the calves is the most important factor for successful rearing during the first weeks of life. During the first hours, calves are only equipped with a passive immune defence from the dam, which, however, decreases very quickly.
Immediately after birth, therefore, an active, calf-own immune system must be established. In the first 3 hours or 3 days of the calf's life, dry and clean housing with rapid administration of high-quality colostrum (10% of the birth weight with at least 23% Brix) is therefore essential.