{"id":245,"date":"2021-04-01T16:42:19","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T16:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calftel.local\/?p=245"},"modified":"2025-06-18T15:10:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T15:10:17","slug":"cool-calves-cool-heads-a-summer-hydration-reminder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calftel.com\/fr\/calf-corner\/cool-calves-cool-heads-a-summer-hydration-reminder\/","title":{"rendered":"Cool Calves, Cool Heads: A Summer Hydration Reminder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Here\u2019s a question for you\u2026did you water ALL your calves this morning?<\/p>\n\n\n
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We\u2019re 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\u2019t just good practice\u2014it\u2019s essential for growth and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calves under two weeks old may only sip small amounts, but older calves will double their water intake when it\u2019s hot\u2014if the water is there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Water Myth: Milk Isn\u2019t Enough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Too often, young calves\u2014especially those under two weeks\u2014don\u2019t have water in front of them. It\u2019s 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\u2019s suckling reflex. That leaves the rumen dry\u2014and underdeveloped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water Builds the Rumen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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\u2014heavier body weight at 5 months, and increased hip height and body length by 10 weeks (Wickramasinghe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Weaning Window: Don\u2019t Let Them Dry Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer Smarts: Extra Strategies to Beat the Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019s level while resting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Clean water pails regularly. Especially in summer, algae and bacteria thrive. Whether it\u2019s daily, weekly, or rotationally, keep your cleaning schedule consistent\u2014and make transport easy with the right equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Keep calf starter fresh. Replace grain often to encourage consumption, especially in warmer weather.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Try sand bedding. It\u2019s cooler in the summer and effective when kept dry and clean.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Plan stressors wisely. Move calves, vaccinate, or transport early in the morning to avoid peak heat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep Yourself in Mind, Too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As you’re making rounds and checking on the herd, don\u2019t forget to stay hydrated yourself. After all, raising healthy calves starts with a healthy farmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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