Starting Strong – Calf Care

Article written by Peggy Coffeen, Progressive Dairyman Dairy producers are beef producers too, which is why it is important to ensure meat quality by preventing injection site lesions and drug residues. According to Dr. Richard Wallace, DVM, MS, with Zoetis, dairy producers can capture more value for their cull cows by focusing on Beef Quality

Click to download the PowerPoint presentation Article written by Peggy Coffeen, Progressive Dairyman We often associate the stress of giving birth with how it affects the cow and underestimate the dramatic physiological changes that the calf undergoes, according to Colorado State University’s Dr. Franklyn Garry, DVM, MS. “At birth, the calf faces the biggest challenges

Click to download the PowerPoint presentation Article written by Peggy Coffeen, Progressive Dairyman When it comes to caring for calves, the options are endless for ingredients and additives that promise to promote health or increase gains, which is why David Wood, Animix, tells dairy producers to choose wisely. When evaluating calf supplements, Wood suggests keeping

Click to download the PowerPoint presentation Article written by Macy Sarbacker Precision nutrition is the idea that you treat the calf as an individual, according to Vita Plus Dairy Youngstock Technical Specialist Noah Litherland. If calves are not growing or are losing bodyweight, then the start of first lactation is delayed and potentially compromised. This

Click to download the PowerPoint presentation Article written by Macy Sarbacker You’ve got a wobbly-legged, newborn heifer calf. She’s still wet and you’re drying her off. What do you know about the kind of cow she’s going to be? Are all calves born with the potential to become great dairy cows? What is the balance

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

By Dr. Edie Brandt, De Pere Veterinary Service Question:  Once in a while, we will take in samples collected from a deceased calf for analysis.  Can you please help me to better understand the findings and how to use this information? A:  First of all, the best person to help answer your questions is your

Shared by Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist Colostrum cubes are a convenient way to add immunoglobulins and other growth factors naturally found in colostrum to increase calf gut health without the use of antibiotics.  Colostrum cubes are low-cost and can be produced with items already on the farm.  I use colostrum

When it gets hot, hot, hot, we want you and your calf team to stay safe, safe, safe.  That includes staying hydrated, wearing weather-appropriate clothing, and protecting against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here’s our spring shopping list to get your shelves stocked and ready for whatever the summer may bring. Rain gear:  Getting soaked

By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist Protein is the single most important and expensive ingredient in milk replacers contributing to calf growth.  That doesn’t mean this macronutrient is easy to understand.  Exploring the sources and functions of protein can help you better select which milk replacer is right for your calf

By Dr. Max Thornsberry, Milk Specialties Global Animal Nutrition Cryptosporidiosis (or crypto) is caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Crypto and coccidiosis are caused by similar parasites; both disease organisms utilize the cells lining the digestive tract to reproduce.  Many different species of Coccidia affect different portions of the digestive tract.  Typically, the most

By Mark Case, Vita Plus dairy specialist Whew!  What a rough winter! Here in Michigan, we are glad that spring has finally sprung and we don’t have to worry about severe cold until next winter.  The producers in my area asked a lot of questions about how to get calves through the bitter, cold weather.

In this edition of Starting Strong A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, Danae Stieglitz of Stieglitz Dairy LLC explains her farm's fly control and heat abatement strategies as she looks forward to warm summer weather.  Visit our YouTube channel for other A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser segments.

Arizona Dairy Knows Heat Abatement and Calf Comfort After a brutal winter in the Midwest, some calf raisers might say they can’t remember what hot weather feels like.  In contrast, calf teams on Arizona dairies battle hot temperatures most of the year. T&K Red River Dairy is owned and operated by Tom Dugan and his

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

Are you struggling to keep your calf panels from freezing to the ground this winter?  Take a tire from your forage pile and place it beneath the front of the calf panel.  It will help keep the panel above the snow and make it easier to move.  Once in a while, as you pass by