Baby, it's cold outside
Respiratory disease can be a persistent problem in naturally ventilated calf barns in winter. Research on housing calves in these facilities in winter has identified a few key practices that help reduce respiratory disease.
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The dystocia calf
Dystocia affects between 13% to 15% of Holstein calves and is defined as delayed or difficult parturition. For calf survival, it's critical to understand how dystocia happens, how to prevent it and how to care for dystocia calves.
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Serum protein content affects calf growth
A new Calf Note reviews interesting research that shows the long-term value of feeding colostrum.
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New Calf Note discusses bacteria in colostrum
Calf Note #163 looks at the results of two studies of colostrum management on dairies in the U.S.
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Proper sanitation key for effective vaccinations
Healthy calves are the result of good planning. Working with your veterinarian, you can develop a vaccination and health management plan based on the age of your animals, location and best management practices (BMPs).
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Avoid these calf drug use mistakes
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is important even down at the baby calf level. Jim Brett, DVM, Mississippi State University, discusses some of the common mistakes made on dairies that can detrimentally affect BQA.
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Navel dipping reduces infections
Navel infections reportedly account for about 2 percent of preweaned dairy calf mortality in the United States. Sam Leadley, calf management consultant with Attica Veterinary Associates, Attica, N.Y., says routinely dipping navels of newborn calves can significantly reduce the incidence of navel infections.
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Are your calves sipping bacteria soup?
Colostrum delivery is a key component to raising healthy calves. But this “liquid gold” also can create a calf’s first disease challenge if not handled correctly.
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Scientists study L. Hardjo vaccines
Recently, USDA scientists examined a commercial leptospirosis vaccine for its ability to provide short-term and long-term protection against experimental infection with serovar Hardjo, the primary cause of bovine leptospirosis.
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DCHA tip of the week: Controlling parasites in heifers
When it comes to raising healthy heifers in a humane fashion, preventing infectious disease is only part of the battle. Internal and external parasites also can take a toll on heifer well-being and limit their production potential.
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Tube feeding did not reduce IgG absorption
A recent study at Penn State compares total serum protein and IgG concentrations and apparent efficiency of absorption in Holstein heifer calves when colostrum was fed by nipple bottle or esophageal feeder.
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