Over recent decades, cattle disease management, prevention and treatment have changed dramatically. Vaccines, antibiotics, technology and even diseases have altered course.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” While he was referring to strategy in the boxing ring, the same holds true for starting lightweight (sometimes called peewee) calves.

For the past several years, the U.S. dairy industry has continued to reduce antibiotic and antimicrobial residues in milk and dairy beef. To support producers in the dairy industry’s commitment to antimicrobial stewardship, the FARM Program released its 2024-25 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual.

When an antibiotic is administered, susceptible bacteria may be eliminated, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive and become dominant. This can make the antibiotic ineffective for future treatments and can therefore increase the risk of infections persisting in the afflicted animal and spreading to other animals in the herd, or to humans. 

“Overuse of antibiotics is a very significant threat to our industry,” stated Pamela Ruegg, DVM, Michigan State University as she addressed a crowd of dairy producers at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. 

Mixing temperature and feeding calves IgYs can have a bigger impact on calf weight gain and health than expected.

The term “antibiotic stewardship” might sound high level, but it’s something cattle producers and veterinarians practice every day. In human health care, antibiotic stewardship means ensuring that antibiotics are used only when necessary and appropriate.

It’s really important to make a conscious effort to analyze this past year’s herd health and objectively reflect on what worked and what didn't. Doing so will help guide decisions for an even better year ahead and maximize the success of your operation from an animal health perspective.

As we roll into the new year, one thing is on almost every rancher’s mind: calving season. For those who calve in January and February, the rapid changes in temperature may play a role in calf sickness and growth.