Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Jenna Hurty-Person, Progressive Dairyman
Building a new calf barn and completely rethinking how to raise calves effectively and efficiently can be a daunting task. Three Wisconsin dairywomen shared their experiences as they tackled this challenge on their farms.

The first Virtual Farm Tour hit inboxes in 2010 and featured City Slickers Farm, LLC. While the commitment to excellent calf care remains the cornerstone of the farm, the scope of their operation has changed considerably.

By Dr. Jenn Rowntree, Vita Plus calf and heifer specialist
Small and undergrown heifers with loose stool and a rough, dry hair coat are clinical signs of coccidiosis. Left untreated, this parasitic infection can limit your future herd's potential.

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
Many calves show signs of sickness before it becomes clinical. Here are 7 signs to look for when evaluating calf health.

Heidi Fischer and the team at Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm, Inc. in Hatley, Wisconsin had plans to build a new autofeeder calf barn, but they chose to modify the current barn to house four rows of individual pens instead. They now focus on organization and communication to successfully grow healthy calves.

By Dr. Rob Farruggio, Jefferson Veterinary Clinic, S.C.
Respiratory disease in calves is a common issue dairy farms encounter. The key is to identify respiratory challenges quickly and address the areas needing improvement.

By Dr. Jenn Rowntree, Vita Plus dairy calf and heifer specialist
Setting goals in specific areas for your farm's calf and heifer health, and regularly comparing health events to those goals, can help determine if they are being met.