Animal Health Ireland has officially launched a new blueprint guide to the first year of life for rearing calves, providing farmers with a comprehensive and practical resource to support optimal calf health and performance from birth to one year of age.

The guide addresses the critical stages of early calf development and is designed to support both dairy and dairy-beef producers in rearing healthy, resilient calves that will go on to become productive and valuable animals. Developed in collaboration with the CalfCare Technical Working Group (TWG), this booklet delivers clear, evidence-based guidance tailored for use on real farms.

The blueprint guide focuses on best practice calf management, translating scientific research into practical actions that can be implemented on farm. It reflects the realities of modern Irish farming systems and provides structured guidance to help farmers make informed decisions throughout the calf’s first year of life.

Importantly, the guide builds on the significant progress already achieved by Irish farmers and the wider agri-food sector. It highlights the benefits of strong collaboration between farmers, advisers, veterinarians, and industry partners, and demonstrates a shared commitment to continuous improvement in calf health, welfare, and performance.

The Blueprint guide to calf rearing in the first year of life can be accessed online via the Animal Health Ireland website:

Healthy Calves: Your Profitable Future