Nutritional Needs in Calf’s First 10 Days

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator The first days of a calf’s life set the stage for its health and performance as it grows. Day 1 Colostrum is a loaded first meal for the young calf.  Calves require fat and protein for energy and muscle development in the first days of life, as

Growing Heifers to Reach Puberty Earlier has Benefits

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Pat Hoffman, Vita Plus dairy technical specialist, and Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist Puberty in dairy heifers can be defined as a measurable increase in blood progesterone with the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on an ovary, and heifers begin active cycling.   Dairy heifers reach puberty at a defined

Fast Fact: How Much Bedding Do My Calves Need?

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist Question:  How Much Bedding Do My Calves Need? Answer:  Visually evaluate feet, knees and outer thighs of calves daily.  If all three areas are clean, the goal of keeping calves clean and dry has been met. A bit more:  Clean and dry calves are a

Beyond the Barn: Have a Plan When Growing Heifers

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
Heifer weight at calving is an important determinant of first lactation performance.  Our goal is to achieve 82 percent of mature size to achieve 80 percent of mature cow milk yield.  Having a plan and setting benchmarks for heifer growth and development is key to successful replacement heifer development.  The list below summarizes phases of growth and target weight at the end of each growth phase, as well as important highlights and factors that affect growth in each phase.

Regional Report: Northern Michigan

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Charlie Kunisch, Vita Plus dairy & beef specialist
With the beginning of December came the beginning of winter in northern Michigan. Areas across the northern part of the state have seen upward of 12 inches of snow and temperatures dropping into the teens.  As producers dig out their calf hutches and thaw waterers, here are a few things to consider.

Calf Care Checklist: Storing and Mixing Milk Replacer

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
To properly store milk replacer, (1) keep milk replacer in a clean, dry area.  (2) In mixing areas, keep milk replacer in a clean tote or covered container.  (3) If milk replacer is kept in the bag, roll down the bag after each use.

Calf Care Quick Tip: Newborn Calf Resuscitation

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Dr. Sheila McGuirk, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Have resuscitation supplies close to the birthing area. The tools needed are simple:  (1) clean, dry towels, (2) pieces of straw 4 to 6 inches in length, (3) 60cc syringe, and (4) ice water.

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Noah – Weaning Strategies

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist, suggests weaning strategies based on the amount of milk fed. 

Virtual Farm Tour: JDR Farms, LLC

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

Since installing autofeeders in 2015, JDR Farms, LLC in Marlette, Michigan has enjoyed a more flexible chore schedule.  But the team still makes sure they invest the time each day to observe calves and clean equipment to consistently raise healthy calves.

VIDEO: A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser – Weighing Calves and Sanitation Check with Jonathon Hallock, MarBec Dairy, and Kyle Mathews, Ag Partners Cooperative

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

In this segment of A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, Jonathon Hallock, MarBec Dairy, teams up with his nutritionist, Kyle Mathews of Ag Partners Cooperative, to weigh calves and also evaluate sanitation of calf care equipment.

Veterinarian’s Corner: Maternity Care Matters to Cow and Calf – Dr. Owen Mickley, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Dr. Owen Mickley, Vita Plus dairy specialist
The maternity phase is critical for both the cow and calf, and a high-stress period for the cow.  We can help her be more productive by ensuring her transition into lactation is smooth.

Lactose: Too Much of a Good Thing? – Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
Less is known about lactose digestion than protein or fat digestion in calves.  We do know that, in all mammalian species studied, lactose alters the function of both the large and small intestine.

5 Steps to Culling Strategy – Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
Advances in reproductive and calf raising management have resulted in an abundance of replacement heifers.  What do we do when we simply have too many?  These five steps can help you design your best-fit culling strategy. 

Fast Fact: What Is the Correct Angle for Bottle-feeding Calves? – Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
The goal is to allow the calf to nurse comfortably with its nose below its eyes.  The angles, heights, and depths of your pails and grain troughs can also impact intakes.

Beyond the Barn: Motivate Your Calf Team – Peter Coyne, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Peter Coyne, Vita Plus dairy field consultant and sales manager
If you are considering implementing an incentive program for your calf team employees as a motivation tool, I would ask you to think again.

Regional Report: Minnesota – Greg Wiener, Vita Plus

Posted on October 25, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Greg Wiener, Vita Plus dairy specialist
This fall's terrible swings in weather have led to many challenges in calves less than two weeks old, and most of those challenges revolve around cleanliness.