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.

Jennifer Ackerman is the calf manager at Norm E-Lane Farms in Chili, Wisconsin.

Because calves are born without circulating immunoglobulins (Ig), particularly IgG, in their blood, it’s essential that they consume colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Absorption of IgG depends on many factors – quality of colostrum, age at feeding, level of stress, bacterial contamination in the colostrum, weather, and many others.

Pulling on a sweatshirt or grabbing a jacket before you head out to the barn should be a reminder that winter is on its way. It should also be a reminder that as you make adjustments for the approaching cold weather, your calves will need preparation as well.

Two major concerns for every dairy farmer are feed and replacements. When looking at how to feed those replacements, it seems that the conventional system is the way to go.

How is post-weaning growth in your calves? One challenge in raising calves is a slump in growth after weaning. There can be several causes for this.

In today’s dairy industry, calves are raised under a wide variety of environmental conditions. These conditions range from calves being raised outside under a wide range of weather and temperature conditions, to moderate confinement with open-sided exposure, to calves raised in total confinement.

When designing a bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) control plan, vaccination for prevention of birth of persistently infected (PI) calves should be a primary target.

Raising calves during colder weather presents a number of challenges that require increased attention to your calf care program.