Posted on November 13th, 2020 in Dairy Performance
By Ann Hoskins Maternal colostrum is a high-value asset on your farm. Unfortunately, that asset often runs short this time of year as many farms see a slump in colostrum production between November and February. Farms need to have a “plan B” in place as they don’t want to short calves on this vital nutrition.
By Dr. Jenn Rowntree We're likely to see more bitter cold temperatures yet this winter. Unless frostbite is caught and treated early, the results are often permanent and detrimental. With limited treatment options, prevention of frostbite is the best strategy.
The extreme cold weather and wind chills you are dealing with are dangerous.
Keep this list handy and watch for any symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains that may occur in your family members, employees, or yourself.
By Dr. Noah Litherland Every one of us in the dairy industry has an inborn fondness for cattle, and value newborn calves and the promise they bring. Let’s get wise about thermal support for our calves in the first 24 hours of their lives during cold weather.
By Augusta Hagen A hard frost and cooler temperatures mean winter will be here before we know it.
The thermal-neutral zone for a calf under 3 weeks of age is 59 to 78 degrees F. When temperatures dip below 59 degrees, the calf can start to experience cold stress and not grow as efficiently as possible. In October, the average temperature can hover around 50 degrees, which is why it is a good time to start preparing for winter...
By Ann Hoskins In most respects, it's been a mild winter. However, the recent cold and snow blasts have brought back memories of last winter's polar vortexes and that little Pennsylvanian groundhog just said we have six weeks to go.
Many calf barns went up last summer in response to the previous harsh winter. That means many of you are still working out a few kinks in the new systems as you aim to raise healthy calves. Check out our...
By Pat Hoffman We're all feeling the immense chill right now, especially as we're out working with animals. We place particular focus on young calves as changes in feeding and management are required to help calves not only survive, but also grow to their potential despite the temperature outside.
What we might now focus on as much are the effects of winter weather on older heifers.
The effects of winter are more profound on calves, but that does...
Working in these extremely cold temperatures is not easy. Please do your best to work safely as you care for your animals. Here are a few reminders from your Vita Plus team for dealing with harsh winter conditions on the farm: For your team By Scott Hall, Vita Plus safety director
You can’t take care of your farm if you’re sick or injured. Thus, your top priority needs to be to work safely in harsh conditions. Slow down and...
By Ann Hoskins It’s cold out there. No doubt about it. Your calves are noticing it too. Just like you put on multiple layers of clothing before you head outside in the winter, your calves need to “bundle up” when it gets cold. What’s more, their “winter outfits” need to be dry and clean to prevent respiratory disease. Here are some quick tips to follow when bedding hutches and pens this winter:
Start with a clean, disinfected hutch. Pressure wash, disinfect...
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