Starting Strong – Calf Care

With Pat Hoffman, University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy extension specialist For years, dairy producers have been told they should target specific breeding weights and lower the average breeding age of their heifers. But according to Pat Hoffman, University of Wisconsin dairy extension specialist, there’s just one small problem with this school of thought. “No single heifer

By Dr. Rob Farruggio, Jefferson Veterinary Clinic Q:  As I look at my calf rearing program, I feel like our maternity area may be the weakest link. We really start to see more newborn calf issues as we near the end of the summer. Do you have advice on ways to improve our maternity area?

By Kristi Keilen, Vita Plus dairy specialist Here in Michigan, things have been going well this month.   An unusually cool summer has been very good for the calves.  With temperatures staying right around the 70s, we haven’t had much heat stress to worry about and calves have minimal health issues.  Temperatures have climbed this week,

In this edition of Starting Strong A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, we meet Danae Stieglitz of Stieglitz Dairy LLC in central Wisconsin.  A former veterinary technician, Danae introduces us to her family's farm and calf program.  In future editions of Starting Strong, Danae will share details about her calf nutrition, health

Innovation and Excellence the Goals at Aquila Dairy Farms Seventeen years ago, the Verhaar family immigrated to Bad Axe, Michigan and has been working toward excellence in dairy production ever since.  Today, the family owns and operates Aquila Dairy Farms.  Through gradual expansions, the dairy has grown to its current size of 2,000 crossbred milking

In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, Ann reminds us that it's been a perfect growing season for the bad bugs on the farm.  Let's make sure we do a great job of cleaning all calf equipment - especially feeding equipment - to keep calves healthy.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat

Fly control is a top priority in the summer, but it can also be messy.  This fly control strategy uses recycled milk jugs to hold fly bait.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Care Quick Tips.

By Jon Wilcox, Vita Plus western region dairy team sales manager A family with energetic boys raised cattle on a hobby farm. A well-intentioned neighbor, with decades of experience in cattle production, was critical of the “results” he saw and often shared his wisdom. One evening, as the neighbor was chastising the father, the mother

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. 

By Augusta Hagen, Vita Plus dairy nutrition and management fellow A top goal for dairy farmers and nutritionists is to raise healthy calves that will transition into long-term members of the milking herd. Although the goal is simple, many factors play a role in raising a healthy replacement, including the nutrition program. A majority of

With Dr. Noah Litherland, University of Minnesota Department of Animal Science dairy cattle nutritionist Research has repeatedly shown that quality calf starter plays a big role in calf performance.  Understanding the biology behind this strategy can help make the most of your feeding program. Dr. Noah Litherland is a dairy cattle nutritionist with the University

By Dr. Steve Hayes, DVM, Day 1 Technology Q:  We are considering the purchase of a colostrum pasteurizer.  What are the pros and cons of these systems?  If we do purchase one, how do we know if it's working? A:  Pasteurizers have really become popular in the past 10 years on dairies and calf raising

By Richard Mensendike, Vita Plus Lanark dairy specialist Now that summer has finally arrived here in northwest Illinois, we’re focusing on a lot of the basic management protocols we need to follow to keep calves healthy in hot weather. Fly control seems to be the top issue on most calf raisers’ minds.  This trend started

In this edition, Brooke Carrow of Enchanted Dairy describes her process for observing calves and making treatment decisions.  Visit our YouTube channel for more segments of A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser.

Attention to Detail Leads to Calf Care Success at Stieglitz Dairy LLC Hutches are considered by many to be the ideal housing for young calves.   Yet the outdoor pens can be tough on calf raisers, especially during the cold, icy and snow-filled winter months in central Wisconsin.  How do you maintain excellent calf health while

In this edition of Starting Strong Calf Chat, we're focusing on keeping calves cool as temperatures get hot.  Remember the basics: water, clean and dry bedding, and good ventilation.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Chat segments.