More than 10 million calves have been given away since 1996, and free calves are currently available nationwide. You see, these “free calves” have already been bought and paid for but die every year due to scours.

Heat stress is a challenge many dairy operations face, particularly during the summer and fall months. When temperatures rise and humidity increases, livestock are forced to adapt to try to cope with the heat. This can lead to a wide range of health and productivity issues.

Modern farming is rapidly evolving with the integration of advanced technology, and calf care is no exception. Recently, I saw some new things that may help improve calf health and well-being, and it might include some things we've never thought of.

Scour-prevention vaccines have been a staple in veterinary medicine for what feels like forever. I was taught they are integral to any vaccination protocol – something I accepted without much question. While you occasionally hear about vaccine site reactions or even cases of anaphylaxis, these are often brushed off and considered part of the process. But now there are advancements in concentrated antibody products that give me confidence to challenge the status quo.

In this article, we will explore a real-world case that illustrates the hazards of improper colostrum handling and provides guidelines for optimizing your colostrum bank to ensure the highest-quality colostrum reaches your calves.