How long does a veal calf stay with the dairy cow? When and why are calves separated from the cow?
A. Both male and female offspring of dairy cows are normally removed from cows soon after giving birth. This separation allows dairy cows to return to the herd and produce milk for human consumption. While calves are not with the dairy cow following birth, they still receive her colostrum, or first milk, within 24 hours. Full of antibodies and essential nutrients, colostrum gives the calves’ immune systems a healthy boost. Early separation also allows the dairy farmer to measure the amount of colostrum the calf receives, within the proper timeframe.
