Technology and data management

Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
Knowing your feed cost of gain is an important consideration when selecting and evaluating a nursery calf feeding program. This cost of gain calculator can be used to estimate the cost of gain for a nursery calf program. 

By Jon Rasmussen, Vita Plus dairy technology specialist
As computer herd management programs improve, calf raisers have the opportunity to define what information needs to be recorded that can help treat calves and identify strategies for improvement.

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.

This Calf Care Quick Tip comes from MarBec Dairy in Mondovi, Wisconsin.  Clipboards with record sheets hang on the wall just outside of the maternity pen.  These forms are used to collect information, such as dam and calf identification, calving ease, colostrum collection and more.  A big digital clock makes it easy for employees to note the time of calving.

By Terry Seubert, Vita Plus IT services development coordinator

Question:  What factors should I consider when picking out my next mobile phone?

Answer:  Picking a mobile phone can be nerve-racking, especially with so many different factors to consider.  Remember, good or bad, mobile phones have become part of our busy, everyday lives.  They provide a way to stay in touch with family, friends, and work, while also functioning as a camera, social networking device, music player, GPS system, and a constant connection to the Internet.  Here are a few things to consider when picking your new mobile phone.

Raising replacement heifers is an expensive but vital component of any dairy farm’s success. 

Dr. Greg Bethard, chief financial officer for Pagel Family Businesses, uses a strategic approach in assessing the efficiency of raising heifers on two large dairy farms.

Question:  What is the average birthweight of a Holstein calf? 

Quck answer:  85 pounds

A little more on that...