Stand and walk shortly after birth: A newborn calf can stand and walk within an hour of being born, though they may have clumsy, wobbly steps. This initial movement is crucial for their ability to bond with and nurse from their mother.
Born with baby teeth: Calves are born with a set of temporary teeth, similar to human baby teeth. They begin growing their permanent adult teeth at around two years of age.
Weight varies by breed: A newborn calf typically weighs between 60 and 100 pounds. Beef calves are generally heavier than dairy calves at birth.
Digestive system develops with age: A newborn calf’s stomach is dominated by the abomasum (the equivalent of a simple stomach). The rumen, which is key for digesting fibrous plants, is not fully developed and only becomes functional at around 10 weeks of age, after the calf has begun to eat hay and grass.
Natural weaning can take many months: Under natural conditions, calves may stay with their mothers and continue to nurse for 8 to 11 months. Female calves may be weaned slightly earlier than male calves.
