Critical Evaluation of Dairy Calf Management: A Foundation for Sustainable National Milk Production Aldena Bina Salimah*, Raden Febrianto Christi, Sari Suryanah
Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
Abstract
The sustainability of national milk production is closely tied to the success of calf rearing, particularly during the neonatal and pre-weaning phases which strongly influence lifetime productivity. In Indonesia, where domestic milk production covers only about 22% of demand, calf management is a critical point for improving efficiency. This review evaluates three key pillars of management-feeding, housing, and health-sanitation-based on literature published between 2015 and 2025. Findings emphasize that early colostrum intake (within one hour of birth) significantly increases immunoglobulin G levels and reduces morbidity, while consistent use of milk replacers and quality starter feed improves rumen development and average daily gain. However, smallholder farmers often lack technical knowledge, leading to delayed feeding, limited water access, and growth setbacks. Housing conditions adapted to tropical climates, such as individual pens followed by colony systems with proper ventilation, are essential to reduce stress and disease. Effective sanitation, including navel disinfection and routine cleaning, also lowers calf mortality, which may otherwise reach 20-50% in tropical settings. Strengthening farmer capacity and promoting science-based practices can reduce early losses, secure high-quality replacement heifers, and support sustainable dairy productivity.
Keywords: calf rearing, dairy cattle, colostrum, sustainability, milk production
