Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Bryan Knoper, Vita Plus dairy specialist Calf raising trends in the Indiana market area have changed greatly in the past several years. It seems, when accelerated growth milk replacers were introduced, many producers adopted this new technology and were pleased with the early growth they could clearly identify without even weighing or measuring the
Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
We are excited to introduce you to Stacy Jauquet of Jauquet's Hillview Dairy in Luxemburg, Wisconsin. For the next year, Stacy will give you an inside look at her calf program and the strategies she's learned to raise healthy, strong calves. In this edition, Stacy share's the details on her maternity protocols. Visit our YouTube
Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Autofeeders Help Calves Reach Genetic Potential The team at Creamery Creek Holsteins LLC in Bangor, Wisconsin continually keeps an eye on emerging technologies to optimize performance on the 700-cow dairy. So, as automatic calf feeders gained a foothold in the U.S. marketplace, manager Justin Peterson researched and adopted the technology for his calf operation. Prior
Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
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.
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Scott Hall, Vita Plus safety director Forage and grain harvests are approaching quickly. Add in the responsibility we still have to care for our animals and this time of year can be very stressful. Don’t add to it with the tragedy of a severe injury or death. Here are 10 tips to stay safe
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Today’s average consumer is at least three to four generations removed from the farm. Even in rural school districts, farm kids are in the minority in the classroom. That means these students have less exposure to the more than 300 careers available in the dairy industry. In June, the team at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator J Hall of Hall’s Calf Ranch began his business by raising 12 calves behind his house. That picture is a bit different today. Hall’s Calf Ranch in Kewaunee, Wisconsin is now home to 5,000 calves in hutches and another 2,200 weaned calves in barns. Most arrive at
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Dr. Ana Paula Monteiro, research scientist, and Dr. Sha Tao, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia Although heat stress affects a cow at all stages of her life cycle, farmers usually focus on heat-stressed lactating cows as the decrease in milk production is easily noticed. However, studies have shown that dry
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this video, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, reminds us that cleanliness is key to raising healthy calves in any system. She shares tips for cleaning automatic calf feeders and identifying potential hot spots for bacterial growth. Click here for Part 1 in this video series and stay tuned for a future video
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist Question: Why is starter grain important for dairy calves? Answer: Develop rumen tissue important for absorption of microbial end-products of fermentation (VFA). Calves are only monogastrics for a short few weeks after birth and then start developing a fully functional rumen, which will serve as
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Rebekah LaBerge, Ag Partners calf specialist With harvest right around the corner, many of us that focus on calves will have a hard time catching folks for calf walkthroughs and evaluations. We might get the occasional phone call or run over for a quick talk about calves in the tractor cab. During harvest (and
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In her final edition of Starting Strong, Katie Grinstead of Vir-Clar Farms in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin shares the things her team does to keep calves cool and healthy through the summer heat. A big thank you to Katie for sharing her expertise and experiences with us this past year! Visit our YouTube channel for
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Focus on Calf Care Basics Key to Hilltop Dairy’s Growth and Success Hilltop Dairy LLC in Waupun, Wisconsin continually strives to reach new goals, whether it’s through the farm’s strong genetics program or milk production. In fact, the 1,200-cow dairy recently achieved a new milestone in producing an average of 100,000 pounds of milk per
Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
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.
Posted on June 25, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Wasted starter is money that could have been put to better use. Here are a couple quick tips to reduce starter waste: Don’t overfeed starter. Young calves do not eat much and, therefore, do not need a pail full. Calves like their starter fresh, so providing smaller amounts close to their intakes will help encourage
Posted on June 25, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Mariah Martin, 2015 Dane County Fairest of the Fair As an 11-year 4-H member, when July comes around it only means one thing: the Dane County Fair. My family spent eight of my 11 years showing dairy and rabbits and completing sewing, cake decorating, art, photography and many other projects. This year, instead of