Compassion fatigue is different. It stems from prolonged exposure to the emotional suffering of others – especially when providing care. While common in professions like health care or veterinary medicine, it is also relevant in animal agriculture.

The utilization of beef semen on dairy cattle to create higher value crossbred calves has proven to be an effective strategy for dairy producers. Dairy producers who focus on creating quality beef-on-dairy calves will have the edge as the market dynamics shift.

Colostrum is one of Mother Nature’s most powerful and unmatched creations – the purest immunity packed with everything a calf needs to survive, thrive and grow strong. Despite what you might hear, nothing compares.

Calf-raising systems are not necessarily one-size-fits-all. Not all raisers face the same challenges. Each operation has different approaches – from feeding methods (bottles, buckets or auto feeders), to housing strategies (group settings or individual pens), to the choice between whole milk or milk replacer – the differences are many. Despite contrasts in styles, calf raisers seek many of the same answers in their pursuit of excellence.

Ultrasound is a highly accurate and rapid tool for diagnosing abnormal lungs in young calves. With it, we can distinguish between true pneumonia, upper respiratory infections and other conditions that mimic respiratory disease but require different management.

As a calf raiser, I ask myself: If dehydration is the number one killer of calves, why don’t we practice both proactive and reactive approaches to keeping them hydrated?