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This article was #5 in PDmag's Top 25 most-well read articles in 2010.
Summary: Susan Day of Land’OLakes Purina Feed highlighted some of the benchmarks established by the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) with the release of the “Gold Standards” in late 2009.
Because this article was so popular, we asked DCHA Executive Director Cindy Hackmann a follow-up question:
Colostrum management is a challenge on every dairy. And while most dairy producers know that getting the right amount of colostrum at the right time is critical to the health of their calves, up to 40 percent of calves are not getting enough protective antibodies from colostrum.
New government regulations will eliminate the use of 2-to-1 Neo-Terra (2 parts Neomycin to 1 part Oxytetracycline in combination) for calf milk replacers in 2010. While the benefits of Neo-Terra use in milk replacers have been questionable, its use in calf milk replacers will be less practical and considerably more expensive.
In an effort to curb the usage of sub-therapeutic antibiotics, the FDA has ruled that milk replacers may no longer be manufactured with the combination drug of neomycin and oxytetracycline, better known as neo-terramycin or NT, in its common current 2-to-1 dosage.
In general, a crisis is a crucial or decisive point or situation. A turning point. An unstable condition. In calf care, a health crisis often calls for a decisive and timely intervention to treat in illness or even to save the calf’s life.
Replacement heifers play a vital role in maintaining herd size and replacing older cows. Proper calf nutrition prior to weaning can lead to increased daily gain, reduced age at first calving and increased production during first lactation.
The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) recently announced new calf-raising standards for Holstein calves from birth to 6 months old. Progressive Dairyman Editor Walt Cooley discussed the development and industry impact of the new standards with DCHA President Lewis Anderson.
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