Dairy-beef calves are the lowest-priced cattle available for beef farmers to buy. While the initial purchase cost is generally low, it is important that farmers take into account how much money it takes to actually rear that dairy-beef calf.
With this in mind, Teagasc has published a table covering the typical variable costs associated with calf rearing.
It is important to outline that the table below only covers the typical variable costs from purchase to weaning off milk.
Teagasc emphasised that the table below represents “a guide to the typical variable costs associated with calf rearing from purchase to weaning”.
The advisory body stressed that the costs “will vary considerably from farm to farm and from system to system”.
The cost of the calf and fixed costs are not included. There is also no cost included for own labour in feeding, managing and rearing the calves to weaning.
The table below outlines the typical variable costs associated with calf rearing from purchase to weaning:
Item Note Cost Milk replacer ~1.5 bags/calf €75 Concentrate 75kg of calf concentrate €34 Vaccinations Pneumonia, IBR, coccidiosis, clostridial €27 Vet Treatments, call out etc. €15 Straw Bedding and feed €30 Levies/transport Depending on source €10* Mortality <3% to weaning €5** Total €196
As can be seen from the table above, the costs assume approximately 1.5 bags of a high-quality milk replacer/calf. At €50/bag, this is €75/calf in total.
Starter calf ration is generally more expensive and, as a result, the total for concentrate is estimated at €34/calf.
Excellent attention to detail and particularly to animal health are required at this very young age of the animal’s life. Therefore, “a fully planned vaccination programme is essential to maximise performance”, according to Teagasc.
The costs in the table above are associated with an excellent vaccination programme covering Pasteurella and viral pneumonia (RSV and PI3), IBR, coccidiosis and clostridial diseases.
Vet costs allow for call outs and treatments for sick calves. They will vary greatly from farm-to-farm and the value is given as an average cost per calf for the whole group reared.
With the tight supply and high demand for straw, the cost for bedding and feeding per dairy-beef calf is considerable at €30/calf.
Depending on where the farm sources the calves, there may be little or no levies and transport fees.
E.g., if a farmer collected calves from a neighbour down the road, versus buying calves in the mart and hiring a haulier to bring them home.
The mortality cost will vary relative to the value of the calf.