When they were first introduced a decade or more ago, fresh cow monitoring protocols were new in scope and design. Progressive producers quickly implemented these practices to track every cow after calving, diligently taking daily temperatures, noting physical signs of metabolic disorders, employing drenching or other treatment protocols as needed and spending lots of time with these animals each day.

Colostrum, colostrum, colostrum. The virtues of this life-promoting substance have been thoroughly researched and communicated in the dairy industry for many years.

As preparations are made for warmer weather, heat stress is often thought of as a problem that should be avoided in lactating cows due to lost performance and possibly lost cows. However, the effects of heat stress on replacement animals tends to be overlooked.

A couple of weeks ago, I trained employees at a mid-size dairy farm. The place was well-run and the calf feeder had full support and trust of the farm owner. The guy liked his calves and cared about doing a good job.What surprised me about the farm was the lack of immediate hygiene.

As producers move away from hutches and look into building new or remodeling an existing barn to house nursing calves, they have the opportunity to consider two housing management strategies: automatic group feeders or individual pens. There are pros and cons to both types of management systems which need to be considered when deciding which is right for your farm.

As the mild spring temperatures creep higher each day, we’re reminded that summer, with its often relentless heat and humidity, is just around the corner. Now is the time to remember that heat stress can be very hard on your calves, but there are steps you can take to keep them comfortable and growing all summer long.