Dairy calf feeds are normally low in functional fatty acids (butyric acid, medium-chain fatty acids, and linolenic acid – see Table 1) known to influence metabolism and immunity – and calves respond to their supplementation. Additionally, calf feeds are normally high in linoleic acid and, if it is increased in the diet, calf performance is often decreased.

An old song reverberates the line “when you’re hot, you’re hot,” and this idea applies to livestock. Our group has shown that the temperature in the calf nursery impacts the average daily gain. One of our current research goals is to better understand how and why the environment is influencing growth. We have the ability to automatically measure the temperature of calves every 10 minutes for multiple days, then analyze the information gained.

There are probably as many ways to raise dairy replacements as there are people raising dairy replacements. Most of these methods are successful; however, everyone knows that some are more successful than others. At the most recent ADSA meetings in Denver last summer, we presented an evaluation of data we have collected to determine what impacts growth of neonatal calves through eight weeks old.

There are probably as many ways to raise dairy replacements as there are people raising dairy replacements. Most of these methods are successful; however, everyone knows that some are more successful than others. At the most recent ADSA meetings in Denver last summer, we presented an evaluation of data we have collected to determine what impacts growth of neonatal calves through eight weeks old.