Michigan State University researchers Lorraine Sordillo and Ángel Abuelo, both in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, have been awarded a four-year, $500,000 grant for their work with dairy calves.
AgDay's Betsy Jibben had a discussion with one of the panelists, Dr. Jan Shearer, a Professor and Extension Veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University to break it down scene by scene.
A group of Chinese dairy researchers recently examined whether the presence of antibiotics in the liquid ration impacted the growth, ruminal function or gut microbial population of preweaned calves.
The more difficulty a cow has giving birth, the more challenging life in the outside world will be for her calf, according to New York Calf and Heifer Specialist Sam Leadley.
A new series of resources is available to provide training in calf management including; newborn calf care, colostrum management, animal handling, automatic calf feeder management and hygiene and sanitation.
Keeping accurate calf health records; following written management routines; and observing medical treatment protocols all can enhance animal welfare, farm efficiency, and consumer confidence.
The health and productivity of young calves can be affected by a wide range of metabolic and pathogenic conditions. Among the maladies that can profoundly affect calves’ health is their intake and balance of sodium.
Increasing the liquid nutrients delivered to calves in cold weather is a highly recommended practice, and is done with the best of intentions. But abomassal bloat can be a deadly side effect for some calves.
Both colostrum and oral vaccines are critical to immune development and disease prevention in newborn calves. But they should not be given at the same time.
Dairy farms are seeking opportunities to control costs, but also maximize the health of their heifers as dairy replacements are the foundation for genetic progress and improvement of the herd.
