VIDEO: Calf Chat with Ann – Staying Warm

Posted on December 21, 2016 in Starting Strong
2014 Hoskins

No more avoiding it...winter is here!  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, discusses a few of the things you can do to keep calves warm, comfortable and healthy as you work through the winter months.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Noah – Battling Salmonella

Posted on November 21, 2016 in Starting Strong
2015 Litherland

Many calf raisers have been battling Salmonella challenges during the warm and wet autumn.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist, discusses the factors that lead to Salmonella as well as some ways to help calves fight back.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Ann – Heat Stress in Calves

Posted on August 26, 2016 in Starting Strong
2014 Hoskins

Fall is approaching, but the temperatures are still high.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf product coordinator, discusses the simple things you can do to manage your calves through summer heat stress.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Noah – Preparing for VFDs

Posted on April 28, 2016 in Starting Strong
2015 Litherland

In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist, shares some alternatives you might consider when feeding calves as the new VFD rules are implemented.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Ann – Transitioning Calves Smoothly

Posted on February 17, 2016 in Starting Strong
2014 Hoskins

In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf product coordinator, walks us through the steps of successfully transitioning calves from individual hutches or pens to group housing.  Limiting the number of stressors calves face at any given time is key.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Noah – Battling Respiratory Challenges

Posted on December 21, 2015 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist, addresses the respiratory challenges we've seen in calves during our recent wet, warm weather. He shares some tips you can use to keep your calves healthy as we head into winter.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Ann – Winter is Coming

Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, reminds us that these beautiful fall days may be drawing to a close as winter approaches.  That means it's time to get our calves ready for dropping temperatures and other cold-weather challenges. Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.

Video: Calf Chat with Noah – Emerging Calf Research

Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland shares a recap of exciting calf and heifer research presented at this summer's American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) meeting.  The Joint Annual Meeting brings together leading researchers from ADSA and the American Society of Animal Science. Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.

Video: Calf Chat with Ann – Sharing Your Farm with Visitors

Posted on June 25, 2015 in Starting Strong
Many dairy producers hosted and helped at dairy breakfasts and other promotional events throughout June Dairy Month.  But that doesn't mean you can only share your farm's story during one month of the year.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins shares a few tips to prepare your farm for visitors. Visit our YouTube

Video: Calf Chat with Noah – Feeding More Milk

Posted on April 28, 2015 in Starting Strong
Many calf programs have begun feeding to a higher plane of nutrition. While this can prove valuable in terms of calf performance, several constraints can hinder these kinds of milk feeding programs. Dr. Noah Litherland shares several tips to best manage your milk feeding strategy. Visit our YouTube channel for more segments of Starting Strong

Video: Calf Chat with Ann – Fitting a Calf Jacket

Posted on February 26, 2015 in Starting Strong
Calf jackets are an easy way to help young animals take on cold weather.  Correctly fitting and adjusting these jackets is key to animal comfort and jacket effectiveness.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, walks through the basic steps of selecting and fitting a calf jacket.  Special thanks

Video: Calf Chat with Ann – First Winter in a New Barn

Posted on December 19, 2014 in Starting Strong
Many calf barns went up this summer in response to last winter’s polar vortexes.  That means many of you are now working out a few kinks in the new systems as you aim to raise healthy calves.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, shares a few tips for

Video: Calf Chat with Noah – Managing Low Colostrum Yields

Posted on October 27, 2014 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland describes the challenge of low colostrum yields typically observed in the autumn months. He also shares tips for measuring colostrum quality and managing your colostrum program.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.

Video: Calf Chat with Noah – Boosting Starter Intake

Posted on August 22, 2014 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland describes the "magical" effects starter intake can have on calf health and performance.  He shares five factors that affect intakes as well as three tips to boost intakes in your calves.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.

Video: Calf Chat with Ann – Growing Tomorrow’s Herd at Calf Summit 2014

Posted on April 28, 2014 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, Ann welcomes you to join us for Calf Summit 2014.  Network with your fellow calf raisers, learn what's on the cutting edge of calf research, and take home practical advice for your calf program.  Talk to your Vita Plus consultant or dealer for registration details.  Visit our

Video: Calf Chat with Ann – A Higher Plane of Nutrition

Posted on February 28, 2014 in Starting Strong
In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, Ann explains the basics of a higher plane of nutrition and how essential these feeding programs have been during this winter's frigid temperatures.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.