Health Watch http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch RSS Feed for Health Watch en-us Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT Colostrum replacer evaluation http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Colostrum-replacer-evaluation-210240501.html The growing availability of colostrum replacers can create as many questions as there are product offerings. A recent evaluation of colostrum-replacer performance data by the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in New York helps sort out the answers. Calf BRD and immunity challenges http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Calf-BRD-and-immunity-challenges-199405171.html Learn more about the environmental and physiological changes that can trigger respiratory disease in calves, from renowned expert Amelia Woolums, veterinary researcher at the University of Georgia. Troubleshooting group-housing challenges http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Troubleshooting-group-housing-challenges-210241091.html When the health and performance of group-housed calves is faltering, changes need to be made. Pennsylvania State University professor of dairy science Jud Heinrich provides a case study of the challenges and solutions for two farms raising wet calves in group housing. Optimizing calf survival at birth http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Optimizing-calf-survival-at-birth-210241261.html Despite advancing technology, dairy calf losses remain alarmingly high, according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Fortunately, numerous measures can be taken to ensure more live births. New study looks at range of responses to dehorning http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/New-study-looks-at-range-of-responses-to-dehorning-206799311.html How do calves respond to dehorning? Is pain management necessary with the procedure? The results of a recent Texas Tech University study shed some insight on the answers. Fighting disease with proper nutrition http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Fighting-disease-with-proper-nutrition-206799831.html Successful disease prevention does not just come out of a bottle, as explained in a tip from the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association. The euthanasia treatment protocol http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/The-euthanasia-treatment-protocol-193937881.html Death is an unfortunate reality of livestock production. Ohio veterinarian Fred Gingrich offers advice on determining when euthanasia is appropriate, and how to do it humanely. Spring cleaning for a healthy summer http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Spring-cleaning-for-a-healthy-summer-206800621.html Is it spring yet? Barring any more snowstorms, it’s time to tidy up hutches, bottles, pails, calf jackets and more. Parasite control: Getting the best of both worlds http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Parasite-control-Getting-the-best-of-both-worlds-205203641.html Can parasite control be effective and reduce resistance at the same time? Here are some elements to consider when crafting an effective parasite program for your herd. Coccidiosis and shedding http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-resources/calf-heifer/health-watch/Coccidiosis-and-shedding-203476481.html There is a close connection between shedding rates and infection levels. When the infection level is high, so is shedding. Adopt these practices to reduce shedding among heifers and calves.