Video: Calf heat stress with Bethany

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this Starting Strong video, Bethany Dado-Senn, Ph.D., discusses how to monitor heat stress in calves.

Calf care checklist: 3 steps for good water hygiene

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Everyone knows water is one of six essential nutrients.  However, the magnitude of its importance is often unrealized and, in some situations, downplayed.

7 ways to save money on calf starter

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The best way to save on calf starter without sacrificing growth and performance is to limit waste.  These seven steps can help you save money on calf starter.

What is your maternity gameplan?

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Maternity has a direct impact on both the present and future state of the herd.  A properly executed maternity game plan promotes successful transition into lactation for the dam, and establishes the start of the nursery phase for the daughter. Progressive dairy farmers realize the economic impact of maternity and commit staff and resources to consistently achieve success.

On-farm data can drive your heat abatement strategy

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
While impossible to avoid heat stress altogether, the type of housing we offer dairy youngstock can influence their ability to cope. What setup is optimal to keep calves cool on your operation? The Vita Plus calf heat risk audit could help you find out.

Calf facilities of high-performing dairies

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
What facilities provide the best environment to raise calves and heifers?  Answering that question requires us to first consider each farm’s specific needs and management systems. In March, two Midwest dairy farms opened their doors to a group of dairy producers on a tour organized by Vita Plus. 

How to introduce forages to youngstock

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
I am often asked, “How should forages be introduced to youngstock?” My answer is that it depends.

Why is that in my milk replacer?

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Have you ever found yourself reading a milk replacer tag and trying to understand what additives are included, what those additives do and whether or not they are right for your calf program?

Calf care checklist: Calf barn ventilation

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The key to a good calf barn ventilation audit is to evaluate the air quality in many different scenarios. Weather can change the calf environment quickly. Monitoring air should be part of your daily checklist. If problems persist, enlist a trusted consultant to assess your options.

Build your own colostrum thawing and heating unit

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Refrigerating or freezing excess high-quality colostrum (greater than 22% Brix reading) is a great way to ensure each newborn calf receives this vital nutrition at birth.  Because high temperatures can destroy immunoglobulins (IgGs) and other nutrients, colostrum should be carefully thawed and warmed before feeding it to the calf.  

Virtual Farm Tour: Beef-on-dairy is one component of whole-farm success at Four Cubs Farm LLC

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The Peterson family has farmed in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, since the land was homesteaded nearly 150 years ago.  The family and farm team are proud of the farm’s rich legacy and its role in the community, and they’re focused on innovation to support the farm’s future.

VIDEO: Calf chat with Lucas – Calf jackets

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this edition of Calf Chat, Lucas Mitchell, Ph.D., talks about calf jackets. 

What’s in colostrum?

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Calf and heifer nutrition
By Bethany Dado-Senn, Ph.D., Vita Plus | When a calf consultant talks about the importance of colostrum, it’s reminiscent of the “eat vegetables” lecture from the doctor or the “floss daily” reminder from the dentist; these tasks are important for our health, but it’s not always clear why.

Meaningful ways to show appreciation to your employees

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins | There are many ways to show your employees appreciation.  Showing employees that you appreciate them will help them feel good about themselves and their work.  Recognition also creates an atmosphere of trust between employees and managers, which builds a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Balancing nutrition and agronomy for improved heifer diets

Posted on October 18, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Noah Litherland, Ph.D. | Heifers have specific nutrient requirements for maintenance, growth and eventually pregnancy. Forages serve as the foundation for the heifer diet and must be selected with heifer nutrient requirements in mind.

Virtual Farm Tour: McAllister Family Dairy

Posted on August 4, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The owners of McAllister Family Dairy in New Vienna, Iowa, wanted to build a new calf care facility that could provide the best environment possible for raising healthy calves. When designing the facility, they focused on excellent ventilation and labor efficiency. In early 2022, calves moved into the new barn, which has space for 98 pre- and post-weaned calves. The farm managers are pleased with how the facility has met their goals in the last 18 months.