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Timed AI can work in heifers
Some people believe that timed AI programs don't work very well in heifers, says Carlos Risco, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. However, research conducted in Florida and Wisconsin shows that when you use visual heat detection with OvSynch or a modified OvSynch program, pregnancy rate improves compared to breeding on detected heat alone. For more details, go to: www.dairyherd.com.

Once-a-day feeding revisited
Once-a-day milk or milk replacer feeding is not a new concept, but it is not widely adopted. Recently, researchers at Penn State University revisited this concept. They found that it improved starter intake and did not hurt calf growth or health. The practice also can cut calf-care labor needs. The twist, though, is to wait until calves reach two weeks of age to implement such a program. That’s when calves begin to rely on their developing rumens for energy. For more details, follow this link.

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Two ways to trim milk replacer cost
Looking to save money on milk replacer cost? If you’re willing to juggle two formulations, here are some options to consider, says Steve Hayes, technical service manager with Milk Products.
    1. Consider a two-step feeding program. For instance, feed an all-milk milk replacer during part of the pre-weaning period. Switch to a milk replacer that contains an alternative protein source, like soy protein concentrate, during the remainder of the pre-weaning period. Non-milk-protein formulations are often less expensive than all-milk varieties.
    2. During the summer, feed a milk replacer with a lower fat content — say 15 percent instead of 20 percent. The cost of a 15-percent fat formulation is not that much different than a 20-percent fat formulation. However, calves may compensate for the lower energy by eating more calf starter, which is cheaper per pound than milk replacer.

One gallon of colostrum, please
When it comes to colostrum, 2 quarts is not enough, says Jerry Olson, technical services veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health. Calves need to consume at least 100 grams of immunoglobulin to prevent failure of passive transfer. Because of the variation in immunoglobulin concentration in colostrum, he recommends feeding 1 gallon of colostrum within four hours of birth. This compensates for colostrum with low immunoglobulin concentrations and helps ensure that calves have the opportunity for good passive transfer.

Courtesy of Lance Fox, Alpharma, Inc.

Creative calf buckets
These old army helmets have found a new use as calf buckets on this dairy north of Ogden, Utah. The dairy purchased the helmets for $1 each at a local army-supply store.

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