To manage the health, nutrition, growth, and welfare of calves and heifers from birth to breeding age. The role ensures implementation of best practices in young stock management to meet targeted growth rates, reduce mortality, and prepare heifers for optimal performance as future milk producers.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Young Stock Management
• Oversee care routines from birth to _____________________
• Ensure timely colostrum intake and effective weaning protocols.
• Monitor daily growth rates and overall development milestones. - Health, Hygiene & Biosecurity
• Enforce preventive health protocols (vaccination, deworming).
• Detect and treat health issues early (scours, pneumonia, etc.).
• Maintain strict pen hygiene and implement biosecurity controls. - Nutrition & Feeding
• Implement milk and starter feed programs per growth phase.
• Collaborate with nutritionists to optimize feed formulations.
• Monitor feed intake and adjust for seasonal or health needs. - Housing and Welfare
• Maintain clean, dry, well-ventilated calf and heifer pens.
• Oversee grouping strategies and welfare-based movement plans.
• Ensure compliance with international animal welfare standards. - Team Supervision
• Lead and train calf care staff and feeders.
• Supervise daily work routines, shift plans, and labor schedules.
• Promote skill development and on-the-job training. - Record-Keeping & Performance Monitoring
• Maintain accurate records: birth, treatments, weights, feed intake.
• Use software/manual logs to monitor KPIs and growth targets.
• Generate reports for management on performance and trends. - Coordination & Communication
• Report to the Herd Manager and liaise with veterinarians and nutritionists.
• Participate in regular farm meetings and advise on calf-related matters. - Performance Indicators: KPIs will be discussed and finalized upon official commencement of employment with the company.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of calf health, nutrition, welfare, and biosecurity.
- Ability to train, lead, and motivate teams effectively.
- Proficient in farm management systems or digital record tools.
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to animal behavior and early disease signs.
- Good communication and reporting skills
Qualifications
- Education: Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Livestock Production, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum 6–10+ years of hands-on experience in dairy calf and heifer management.
- Proven track record of achieving low mortality rates and target growth benchmarks.
- Prior leadership experience in a commercial dairy or livestock farm setting.
- Exposure to well-established dairy systems, whether local of international is considered an added advantage.
Application ends on
31 July, 2025