https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us mwustenberg@immucell.com You may not be familiar with the term “hyperimmunized,” let alone use it in everyday conversation. Yet it is the most powerful tool to enrich colostrum and influence calf health and development. You may not be familiar with the term “hyperimmunized,” let alone use it in everyday conversation. Yet it is the most powerful tool to enrich colostrum and influence calf health and development.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63354 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63354-the-remarkable-difference-hyperimmunized-colostrum-makes minnie.ward@feedworksusa.com When I get questions about hydration from calf raisers, it is almost always associated with heat stress or health events. Why do we think of hydration as a reactionary tool? We talk preventative care in calves every day, so why not approach hydration the same way? When I get questions about hydration from calf raisers, it is almost always associated with heat stress or health events. Why do we think of hydration as a reactionary tool? We talk preventative care in calves every day, so why not approach hydration the same way?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63173 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63173-year-round-hydration-for-improved-calf-welfare jvanos@wisc.edu Providing active heat abatement during the preweaning period can create a cleaner hutch microclimate, help keep calves cool, improve their immune responses and even increase herd longevity through the first lactation. Our group has been exploring a solar-powered fan system for calves in outdoor hutches. Providing active heat abatement during the preweaning period can create a cleaner hutch microclimate, help keep calves cool, improve their immune responses and even increase herd longevity through the first lactation. Our group has been exploring a solar-powered fan system for calves in outdoor hutches.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63393 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63393-keeping-calves-cool-new-ideas-for-hutch-housed-heifers walt.cooley@agproud.com SenseHub Dairy Youngstock monitoring technology from Merck Animal Health tracks calves from birth and flashes an indicator light when activity, rumination, eating or other behaviors deviate from the baseline. The same eartag can also continue tracking behaviors throughout the animal’s entire life. SenseHub Dairy Youngstock monitoring technology from Merck Animal Health tracks calves from birth and flashes an indicator light when activity, rumination, eating or other behaviors deviate from the baseline. The same eartag can also continue tracking behaviors throughout the animal’s entire life.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63307 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63307-nexus-awards-technology-tracks-calf-health-via-eartag-with-flashing-light-indicator 63307-cooley-794.jpg kristen.gaddis@uscdcb.com Genetic and genomic evaluations for Resistance to Diarrhea (DIA) and Resistance to Respiratory Problems (RSP) will represent the expected resistance of an animal’s offspring to these issues in a herd with average management conditions. Final approvals are being wrapped up, with the goal of introducing these traits for Holstein and Jersey breeders soon. Genetic and genomic evaluations for Resistance to Diarrhea (DIA) and Resistance to Respiratory Problems (RSP) will represent the expected resistance of an animal’s offspring to these issues in a herd with average management conditions. Final approvals are being wrapped up, with the goal of introducing these traits for Holstein and Jersey breeders soon.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62918 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62918-new-calf-traits-will-allow-producers-to-select-for-disease-resistance 62918-Gladdis-calf-mom-getty.jpg louderdvm@gmail.com Not only do we deal with stress in our lives, but we often create stressful situations for the animals we care for. Recognizing these events and taking measures to provide the animals with mechanisms to deal with stress can help them bounce back more quickly. Not only do we deal with stress in our lives, but we often create stressful situations for the animals we care for. Recognizing these events and taking measures to provide the animals with mechanisms to deal with stress can help them bounce back more quickly.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62941 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62941-reduce-transport-stress-for-healthier-calves 62941-louder-truck-getty.jpg seck@immucell.com A successful calf program doesn’t happen by chance. It takes time, focus, attention and, of course, proper data collection. When gathering data, we should think about what we are measuring, our purpose and how we can improve upon these measurements. A successful calf program doesn’t happen by chance. It takes time, focus, attention and, of course, proper data collection. When gathering data, we should think about what we are measuring, our purpose and how we can improve upon these measurements.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62942 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62942-making-sense-of-the-data-insights-and-action-items-for-your-calf-records tiago.tomazi@merck.com Just as solid structural pillars form a strong foundation for the barn, these seven pillars of calf raising are powerful steps to help build a solid foundation for the future milking herd. Just as solid structural pillars form a strong foundation for the barn, these seven pillars of calf raising are powerful steps to help build a solid foundation for the future milking herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62734 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62734-seven-pillars-of-successful-calf-raising 62734-tomazi-1.jpg marisol_orellana@diamondv.com A calf’s gut is a blank slate at birth, but bacterial microbes quickly establish themselves within the first weeks of life. During this narrow window, the calf’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract is rapidly colonized by bacteria from equipment, colostrum and bedding – both beneficial as well as harmful. A calf’s gut is a blank slate at birth, but bacterial microbes quickly establish themselves within the first weeks of life. During this narrow window, the calf’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract is rapidly colonized by bacteria from equipment, colostrum and bedding – both beneficial as well as harmful.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62732 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62732-a-gut-check-for-calf-programs-a-multipronged-approach-for-gut-health 62732-orellana-1.jpg mmc7081@psu.edu Have you said or heard someone say, “Yeah, we have diarrhea in the calves, but they get over it quickly.” Do they? How bad can a few “bad days” really be? However, what if we were to tell you that the duration of diarrhea is linked to decreased growth rates and reduced milk production in the first lactation? It matters a whole lot more than we give it credit for. Have you said or heard someone say, “Yeah, we have diarrhea in the calves, but they get over it quickly.” Do they? How bad can a few “bad days” really be? However, what if we were to tell you that the duration of diarrhea is linked to decreased growth rates and reduced milk production in the first lactation? It matters a whole lot more than we give it credit for.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62556 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62556-screening-for-scours 62556-cantor-image2.jpg lbinversie@bovisync.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62480 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62480-the-cost-of-caring-compassion-fatigue-in-calf-raising jennifer_3.roberts@boehringer-ingelheim.com Persistently infected (PI) calves shed bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) with every breath and drop of saliva. They don’t just live with the virus – they spread it, continuously and invisibly, exposing every animal around them to the disease, which can impact overall herd health and performance. Persistently infected (PI) calves shed bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) with every breath and drop of saliva. They don’t just live with the virus – they spread it, continuously and invisibly, exposing every animal around them to the disease, which can impact overall herd health and performance.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62112 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62112-are-pi-calves-undermining-your-herd 62112-roberts-4197.jpg mwustenberg@immucell.com Literally, the first hour of birth sets the stage for a calf’s life. After those 60 minutes, a calf climbs aboard one of three tracks. Literally, the first hour of birth sets the stage for a calf’s life. After those 60 minutes, a calf climbs aboard one of three tracks.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62105 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62105-in-one-hour-the-cascade-effect-begins 62105-brockmann-dominos.jpg kramsey@neogen.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62034 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62034-beef-on-dairy-best-management-practices mwustenberg@immucell.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62114 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62114-calves-arent-big-chicks-know-the-one-way-egg-powder-helps-calf-raisers gabriel@coloquick.com Recent research has shown the epigenetic influences of colostrum feeding practices on the long-term productivity and health of dairy cows. This article delves into the importance of timely colostrum feeding and its epigenetic impacts, providing insights for dairy farmers and dairy consultants. Recent research has shown the epigenetic influences of colostrum feeding practices on the long-term productivity and health of dairy cows. This article delves into the importance of timely colostrum feeding and its epigenetic impacts, providing insights for dairy farmers and dairy consultants.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61920 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61920-the-vital-role-of-colostrum-in-calf-development-epigenetic-implications 61920-FRAINER-illustration.coreylewis.jpg seck@immucell.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62036 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62036-the-three-most-common-calf-care-challenges-i-see-on-farms lbinversie@bovisync.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62022 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62022-cracking-the-calf-code-with-ultrasound-how-lung-ultrasound-is-changing-the-game-for-calf-health minnie.ward@feedworksusa.com 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? 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?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61910 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61910-the-importance-of-hydration-a-new-look-at-proactively-hydrating-calves jamesre60@gmail.com Although it may not be possible to replicate the beef cow-calf relationship, there are things that can be done on the modern dairy to achieve success by paying attention to key factors. Although it may not be possible to replicate the beef cow-calf relationship, there are things that can be done on the modern dairy to achieve success by paying attention to key factors.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61521 Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61521-colostrum-transition-milk-and-immune-system-development drdrew@nouriche.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61490 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61490-wanted-producers-needed-to-care-for-450-000-free-calves cthrasher@genex.coop Through our experience of working with numerous dairies to troubleshoot early calf health challenges, we’ve identified several critical, nonnegotiable colostrum management practices. Through our experience of working with numerous dairies to troubleshoot early calf health challenges, we’ve identified several critical, nonnegotiable colostrum management practices.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61352 Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61352-day-old-calf-nonnegotiables 61352.EGAN-THRASHER-1.jpg A vaccination program is one part of a comprehensive disease control and prevention program. However, keeping pathogens from entering the herd is always preferred over protection that comes in a bottle. A vaccination program is one part of a comprehensive disease control and prevention program. However, keeping pathogens from entering the herd is always preferred over protection that comes in a bottle.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61279 Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61279-calf-vaccinations-you-wont-find-all-the-answers-in-a-bottle 61279-berens-1-dixon.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61148 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61148-heat-stress-in-heifers-causes-effects-and-management jamesre60@gmail.com What’s normal for beef cattle? The pastoral scene is common in many beef cattle systems in the eastern U.S. Calving occurs outdoors, where the air is fresh and the environment is clean. What is the message for dairy, and can we do better? What are the focus areas we should consider? What’s normal for beef cattle? The pastoral scene is common in many beef cattle systems in the eastern U.S. Calving occurs outdoors, where the air is fresh and the environment is clean. What is the message for dairy, and can we do better? What are the focus areas we should consider?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61058 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61058-can-beef-teach-us-how-to-better-raise-dairy-replacements-calving-environment-and-newborn-management 61058-James-102347-1.jpg hein0106@umn.edu 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60973 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60973-how-sensors-are-revolutionizing-calf-care juan.rodriguez@zoetis.com Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading health concerns impacting heifer calves, even on the best-managed dairies. These calves are the future of a dairy operation, and well-prepared farm care teams can ensure BRD is managed effectively for long-term success. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading health concerns impacting heifer calves, even on the best-managed dairies. These calves are the future of a dairy operation, and well-prepared farm care teams can ensure BRD is managed effectively for long-term success.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60889 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60889-6-steps-to-early-brd-identification-and-treatment Calves_3_-_Dixon.jpeg jamesre60@gmail.com Seeing beef cow-calf pairs on pasture caused me to consider how we have raised dairy calves. Granted, most of our commercial dairy management systems don’t allow this kind of environment for the cow and her newborn calf, but what can be done to make our systems better? Seeing beef cow-calf pairs on pasture caused me to consider how we have raised dairy calves. Granted, most of our commercial dairy management systems don’t allow this kind of environment for the cow and her newborn calf, but what can be done to make our systems better?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60931 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:49:51 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60931-calf-management-beef-vs-dairy 60931-james-2.jpg rlichdi@immucell.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60795 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60795-a-veterinarians-perspective-on-the-safety-of-precalving-scour-vaccines gabriel@coloquick.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60558 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60558-optimizing-your-colostrum-bank