This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It discusses how lung ultrasonography is improving our understanding and management of respiratory disease in young calves, and the effect of voluntary waiting period length on milk yield, fertility and culling in high-yielding, second-parity cows.

As dairy calves enter the world with immature immune systems, it is crucial to lay a robust foundation of immunity against bovine respiratory disease (BRD) during their early weeks and months. Intranasal vaccination is a good option to help protect young calves against BRD-causing pathogens. This article outlines six steps to effectively administer an intranasal vaccine.

It’s no surprise that heifer survivability is 1 of 10 drivers that can affect net farm income. While treating a few cases of calfhood pneumonia every now and again may not seem like a big problem, these costs go beyond treatment and can accumulate over the lifetime of a dairy animal. Young heifers have a big job ahead of them as future members of the milking herd, and a case of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) during their first few months of life can quickly close the window of opportunity for reaching their full potential. 

Raising calves in the winter brings many challenges, and feeding an effective probiotic is one tool that can help reduce the stress involved in calf raising.