Starting Strong – Calf Care

Using a wheelbarrow to move and weigh newborn calves has helped make life easier for Katie Grinstead and her team at Vir-Clar Farms.

Before they installed autofeeders in the calf barns at Minglewood, Inc., Kristin Quist, calf manager, said the team used to spend 16 hours a day feeding calves three times a day. Now, Quist invests eight hours a day and has more flexibility in the schedule to dedicate time to other areas of the dairy.

In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Jenn Rowntree discusses the importance of walking through calf autofeeder pens, and calibrating and cleaning the machines regularly.

In this edition of A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, Heidi Fischer of Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm Inc. discusses the tools her team uses to communicate with each other.

By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
Dr. Noah Litherland explores the protein requirements of the growing calf and what role calf starter can play in reaching growth goals.

By Dr. Kendra Wells, Valley Veterinary Clinic
Diagnosing pneumonia can be difficult because most cases are subclinical. However, using an ultrasound can help view lung lesions and lead to an effective monitoring program.

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
It is critical for calves to receive milk between 100 and 105 degrees F, but this can be challenging during the winter. Try any of these seven ways to keep milk warm before you feed it.

As you walk through the calf-raising facilities at Ruedinger Farms, Inc. in Van Dyne, Wisconsin, you notice calf care protocols clearly written and posted in each building. This is just one of the tools the team uses to consistently raise quality replacement heifers.

In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Noah Litherland discusses three benchmarks for successful calf raising and why they matter.

In this edition of A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, Heidi Fischer of Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm Inc. discusses her methods to keep calf records and equipment organized. 

By Dr. Jenn Rowntree, Vita Plus calf and heifer specialist
Colostrum is one of the best ways to ensure adequate transfer of immunity from the dam to the calf. However, when a calf doesn't receive enough immune protection, it can be vulnerable to health challenges.

By Dr. Melissa Haag, Lodi Veterinary Clinic
Ensuring a smooth and healthy pregnancy for the calf and its mother is important, but it is also important to do the same for pregnant female farm workers. Here are four ways to accommodate a safe human pregnancy on the farm.

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
Moving transition calves can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. These four steps can help make the job much easier and safer for everyone involved. Pictures included.

By Dr. Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin-Madison animal welfare extension specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers and extension educators are seeking U.S. dairy producers or calf raisers, along with bovine veterinary practitioners, to participate in an online survey as part of a study on animal care practices for preweaned dairy calves. Participating producers can choose to enter a random drawing to win a refractometer and $100 Vita Plus gift voucher or other prize. 

Stacy Jauquet owns and operates Jauquet's Hillview Dairy LLC in Luxemburg, Wisconsin, with her husband, Dave. The team knows what it takes to raise healthy calves, and that's why Stacy is proud to work alongside her calf team to train them on her expectations for excellent calf care.

In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins talks with Dr. Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor and extension specialist in animal welfare, and Kim Reuscher, a dairy science graduate student, about current research projects involving calf hutches and ventilation.  One quick and affordable option for improving hutch ventilation is to install Calf-Tel's calf hutch vent covers, as shown in the video.