Bedding

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator

Question: What material makes for the best bedding for my calves?

Answer: We have many options for bedding calves. The easiest choice is what you have available, but that might not always be the best choice. Consider your entire setup and how the details affect your options.

Calves require at least 30 to 40 square feet of resting space with a recommended bedding depth of 8 to 12...

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator

When heat stress hits on the farm, we often look to the cows first. But did you know that heat stress can hit calves as hard as all the other animals on the farm?

Heat-stressed calves may have reduced average daily gains or increased incidence of treatments. Worst of all, heat stress may cause higher death loss in your calf program.

Calves suffering from heat stress are more likely to become dehydrated...

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator

This winter has thrown us many challenges: a lot of snow, rain, huge temperature swings, cold stretches, and on and on. It is easy to think with the recent warmer temperatures we are getting close to the end. Even so, I challenge you to stay the course with your winter protocols. The huge swings in temperatures and lots of moisture require more energy from the calf. The warm days, cool nights and lots of...