The transition from the dry period to the lactating period is difficult for all cows. These changes are especially traumatic for heifers that are not only undergoing the physiological changes associated with calving and the onset of lactating, but adapting to a new housing environment and the novelty of the milking routine. Furthermore, these heifers are forced to adjust to an increased amount of contact with the farm staff.

Bovine respiratory disease, more commonly referred to as dairy calf pneumonia, is a leading cause of death in pre-weaning calves.

There have been numerous scientific studies that have shown exposing lactating dairy cows to a long-day photoperiod (LDPP – 16 to 18 hours of light and six to eight hours of dark) in a 24-hour period improves milk production and reproduction performance, that this response persists through an entire lactation, perhaps increasing milk yield as much as 8 to 10 percent.

Today’s economic downturn requires a long-term perspective and a focus on efficiency in modern dairy operation systems.

The health and management of replacement animals are important components of total herd profitability.

Pasture-based heifer-raising systems are common in many parts of the country, especially where seasonal temperatures and rainfall allow year-round grazing with no artificial shelter.

Cold weather is quickly approaching and the challenge of keeping calves growing and healthy has begun.

Everyone who raises calves has a major stake in how well calves obtain passive immunity from a dam during the first 24 hours of life. Calves receive passive immunity via intake of colostrum during the first 24 hours when their intestines are able to absorb immune proteins without digestion.

The last year in agriculture has been a volatile one. We have seen rapid inflation of all commodities followed by rapid deflation. It has left me and many of my clients wondering how we can sustain food animal production agriculture in North America.

Nothing quite stirs up an appetite like time outside on a cold winter day. And just as people need more energy when battling the cold, so do dairy calves.