Against the backdrop of ongoing water shortages and high feed costs, there are compelling reasons to increase the productive life of dairy herds.

When it comes to using implants, where does one start? Here are four things you need to know about using implants in dairy beef calves.

There is no making up for the first 24 hours of a calf’s life. Consider extended colostrum feedings for the first couple of weeks and feeding transition milk for the first few days to level up your calf program.

Dairy farming can be unpredictable, and even with the best management, accidents can happen. For example, a cow may slip exiting the parlor and go down. This could happen even on the best employee’s watch and while following all correct protocols.

Managing dairy calves is truly an art form. The first few weeks of a calf’s life are imperative to how productive that calf will be as an adult, from increased milk during its first lactation to achieving its full genetic potential. This is especially important for replacement heifer calves. As breeding decisions are carefully made and only the best cows are bred for replacement heifers, it is key to ensure those calves are as healthy as can be during the first weeks of life. These first few weeks of life largely shape that future cow's career and your profitability. 

Raising calves isn’t easy. Good calf raisers need a solid understanding of best calf protocols, treatment and diseases or be willing and able to learn. You know that the job requires a certain skillset and nurturing touch that not many possess.