A Reminder on Bobby Calf Responsibilities!

Spring-time is upon us and we thought it was timely for a quick summary in the form of a reminder on the requirements and responsibilities in managing your bobby calves this season.  The critical points below were highlighted in a recent (August/September 2026) New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) VetScript article..

The key things that you can NOT do are:

·       Euthanasia of calves by use of blunt force trauma

·       Transport of calves across the Cook Straight

The key guidelines to follow regarding the transport of calves are:

·       Must be a minimum of 96 hours old

·       Must be free from any sign of disease (scours, naval and/or joint ill, contracted tendons, other lameness etc)

·       Must be able to walk unassisted onto and off truck

·       Transport distance of a maximum of 12 hours

·       Must NOT be off feed for more than 24 hours

The key guidelines to follow regarding the general housing and welfare of calves are:

·       Must be provided with appropriate shelter and shade

·       Must have adequate ventilation

·       Must NOT be exposed to extremes of temperature

·       Must NOT be in conditions that prevent them from standing and/or lying in a natural posture

Failure to comply with any of the above may open you up to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act (Care and Procedures) Act 2018.  If you have any concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to us for advice PRIOR to transport of calves – we are here to you and your calves!