Once a new born calf has had its ear tag put into its ear, it is measured with a weight tape. The tape has measurements on it which link the size of the calf to its assumed weight. The measurement is taken a few hours after birth, then at four weeks and then again at eight weeks.

The measurements are recorded and analysed to give an indication of growth rate. If a calf is not gaining the expected level of weight then it will be investigated.

Tags: calves, February, spring