Here’s a question for you…did you water ALL your calves this morning?
We’re in the midst of summer, and the heat is here to stay. When temperatures rise, making sure your calves have access to clean, fresh water isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for growth and wellbeing.
Calves under two weeks old may only sip small amounts, but older calves will double their water intake when it’s hot—if the water is there.
The Water Myth: Milk Isn’t Enough
Too often, young calves—especially those under two weeks—don’t have water in front of them. It’s commonly assumed that they get all the fluids they need from milk or replacer.
However, that milk bypasses the rumen and heads straight to the abomasum due to the calf’s suckling reflex. That leaves the rumen dry—and underdeveloped.
Water Builds the Rumen
When calves drink water, it flows into the rumen, where it mixes with calf grain and kickstarts the development of the rumen lining. According to Sam Leadley’s Calving Ease newsletter, USDA surveys report that most U.S. dairies start offering water at 17 days old.
But waiting that long is costly. Research shows that starting water on Day 1 leads to measurable differences in growth—heavier body weight at 5 months, and increased hip height and body length by 10 weeks (Wickramasinghe).
The Weaning Window: Don’t Let Them Dry Out
As calves begin the weaning process and milk is gradually reduced, water intake will double again. During this transition, make sure water is fresh and offered at least twice daily to support appetite and hydration.
Summer Smarts: Extra Strategies to Beat the Heat
- Maximize airflow. Turn hutches to face east and open every vent. Adding back vents to older hutches helps keep fresh air circulating at the calf’s level while resting.
- Use fans in indoor housing. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., fans can significantly reduce heat stress. One study found a 23% improvement in daily gains from calves cooled with fans (Hill et al). Calf-Tel pens offer customizable side and back ventilation for even better airflow.
- Clean water pails regularly. Especially in summer, algae and bacteria thrive. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or rotationally, keep your cleaning schedule consistent—and make transport easy with the right equipment.
- Keep calf starter fresh. Replace grain often to encourage consumption, especially in warmer weather.
- Try sand bedding. It’s cooler in the summer and effective when kept dry and clean.
- Plan stressors wisely. Move calves, vaccinate, or transport early in the morning to avoid peak heat.
Keep Yourself in Mind, Too
As you’re making rounds and checking on the herd, don’t forget to stay hydrated yourself. After all, raising healthy calves starts with a healthy farmer.
Stock Up for Summer
Clean bottles, fresh pails, and easy-to-use holders make summer calf care smoother and more effective. Make sure your supplies are up to the task. Browse Calf Accessories Now — because hydration starts with the right tools.
References:
- Jones, C. and Heinrichs, J. (2013, June 14). Heat stress in dairy calves. Penn State Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/heat-stress-in-dairy-cal….
- Leadley, S. (2019, July). Water: the magic growth promoter. Calving Ease. Retrieved from http://atticacows.com/library/newsletters/CEJuly20….
- Wickramasinghe, H.K.J.P., et al. (2019). Drinking water intake of newborn dairy calves and its effects on feed intake, growth performance, health status, and nutrient digestibility. Journal of Dairy Science, 102: 377-387.
