We spoke to some commercial farmers about the basic equipment you should have at hand if you are taking care of young animals.

Here is their list of must-haves:

■■ Teats and bottles

■■ Washing-up liquid for cleaning teats and bottles after each feed

■■ Milton for sterilising teats and bottles

■■ Electrolytes

■■ Wound spray for open wounds

■■ Eye powder or paste for eye infections

■■ Deworming medication for treating tapeworm and roundworm

■■ Antibiotics (tetracycline and sulphurbased injectables)

■■ Syringes and needles

■■ A weigh band and a thermometer

■■ A fridge for storing vaccines

■■ An ear-tag applicator, ear tags and a pen for identifying animals

■■ A Burdizzo clamp for castration