Healthy Calves Make Great Cows- Calf Health

Healthy Calves Make Great Cows- Calf Health

The early days of your calve's lives will go a long way in determining the wellbeing of your cattle throughout the rest of their lives, so it's really important to make sure to take extra care to raise strong, healthy calves.

We stock everything you need for calf health care, from colostrum pasteurisers and colostrum supplements for those first few hours, to dietary supplements and feed for the initial weeks of your calves' lives. For prevention of illnesses, we carry a range of products, from effective disinfectants, electrolytes, to scour boluses and digestive aids.

We're the experts in farm and dairy health care, and we make sure everything we sell is to the highest of standards,  to offer the best to your livestock.

We're always delighted to help answer any questions you may have, so if you want to find out more about best practice in calf and cattle health care, explore our Health Info Centre, check out the 'Interactive Calf' or give us a call on +44 (0)1772 690131


FerAppease pheromone for cattle

FerAppease pheromone for cattle

£144.00 Ex Tax: £120.00
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Frequently asked questions

In the first hours of life, a calf's health is set by how well you manage colostrum and immediate hygiene. Giving high-quality colostrum within the first couple of hours ensures your calf receives crucial antibodies, helping it build immunity against disease. At G Shepherd Animal Health we offer a range of colostrum supplements, pasteurising equipment and management tools so you can deliver the right volume at the right time. After that, clean bedding, dry housing and prompt feeding are vital. Prioritising those initial steps means fewer health setbacks later, stronger growth and far less reliance on treatments — making your herd more resilient and your farm operation more efficient.

Scour is a common and costly issue in young calves, but proactive management can make all the difference. Key preventive steps include hygiene (clean pens, fresh bedding), consistent feeding routines and good colostrum intake. At G Shepherd Animal Health we supply digestive aids, electrolytes and scour boluses designed for rapid support when required. It's important to monitor calves for early signs — loose stools, reduced appetite, sluggish behaviour — and act swiftly. By combining preventative products with sound husbandry practices, you protect growth rates, minimise vet bills and support long-term herd performance.

Introducing solid feed at the right time helps calves transition smoothly from milk to weaned status and supports rumen development, which underpins future performance. Typically around 2 days of age you can offer a high-quality calf starter pellet or mix, alongside fresh clean straw and water. At G Shepherd Animal Health we stock tailored calf-feeding products to aid rumen health and promote consistent intake. The aim is for calves to start nibbling solids early so that when you wean, they're already eating well and maintaining growth. A clear feeding plan — milk, then gradually increased solids, plus water — makes the weaning period less stressful and more productive.

Clean, dry, well-ventilated housing is a fundamental part of calf care but is often overlooked. Inspect pens and feeders daily: remove soiled bedding, clean feeding buckets or tubes, ensure ventilation but avoid drafts, and check that calves are comfortable. At G Shepherd Animal Health we offer disinfectants and hygiene solutions designed for calf-housing environments, helping reduce pathogen challenge and support better health. A consistent cleaning routine not only safeguards your calves in the short term, but also contributes to long-term herd resilience, fewer sicknesses and lower costs.

Your investment in calves pays off when they grow into healthy, productive adult cattle. A structured calf-care programme includes: top-quality colostrum, clean housing, balanced feeding, appropriate health support and routine monitoring. At G Shepherd Animal Health our range covers every stage — from colostrum management through to feeding, digestive support and hygiene aids — ensuring that calves are set up for success. Tracking growth rates, monitoring health and adjusting your plan as needed helps you identify issues early. By doing things right from day one, you reduce losses, improve performance and benefit from stronger herd returns in years to come.