Two elements of calving management can make a big difference in newborn calf health. They are stress and pathogen exposure. Managing stress Deliveries requiring assistance are common among Holstein dams. In a large-scale calving study (7,380 calvings), many dairy heifers and cows required assistance at calving. Among these dams “more than half (51.2 percent) of calves born to first-calf heifers (primiparous dams), compared to 29.4 percent of calves born to second-lactation and later cows (multiparous dams), required assistance during calving.” They monitored these calves for 120 days to evaluate both death and sickness rates.

Graduate, Tarleton State University Public relations intern with the American Farm Bueau Federation Based in Washington, D.C. Background Q. What did you study in college? I majored in agricultural services and development with an emphasis in agricultural communications
 Q. What is your agricultural background? Agriculture has been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember. I was raised on a cotton farm and cattle ranch in west Texas. Growing up with a direct connection to the food and fiber consumers eat and wear gave me a unique appreciation for those who make a living in production agriculture.

Senior, University of Maryland College Park Intern at Shoestring Dairy Based in Tasmania, an Australian island (Click here to learn more about Tasmania's dairy industry) Background Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I am double majoring in animal science, with a focus in dairy, and agricultural science and technology. Q. What is your agricultural background? I grew up in 4-H with horses and always wanted to get involved with cows. I finally got the chance to start working on dairies when I got to college and other farms.