Starting Strong – Calf Care

We have learned many things along the way as autofeeders become more popular in the calf raising world.  On the dairy, we tend to learn most things through experience – good or bad.  While that makes it difficult to pinpoint exact “rights and wrongs,” learning from others’ experiences can help us focus on making the best use of this evolving technology.

It’s time to dust off your calf jackets in preparation for the colder weather. The following are some important reminders for your staff about calf jacket usage, as well as some timely preparedness tips before jacket season starts in full force.

In this Starting Strong video, Bethany Dado-Senn, Ph.D., discusses how to monitor heat stress in calves.

Everyone knows water is one of six essential nutrients.  However, the magnitude of its importance is often unrealized and, in some situations, downplayed.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

I am often asked, “How should forages be introduced to youngstock?” My answer is that it depends.

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?

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.

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.  

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.

In this edition of Calf Chat, Lucas Mitchell, Ph.D., talks about calf jackets. 

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.

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.