Transition period can reduce respiratory illness
| Friday, June 06, 2008
Too many changes at eight weeks of life cause stress, reduce immunity and cause respiratory problems in calves, explains Al Kertz, nutritionist with ANDHIL, LLC. The calf leaves its hutch or individual pen, it is vaccinated, dehorned, and experiences a feeding change. Plus, she enters a group environment. To head off problems, Kertz suggests lowering the average weaning age from eight weeks to six weeks, and implementing a two-week transition period both before and after weaning. Calves with respiratory problems are impaired for life even though they may appear fully recovered. A two-week transition period both before and after weaning can help reduce stress and respiratory illness.
