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 jmatschke@grober.com Calf hydration management is one of the most critical and often overlooked components of successful calf raising. In the first weeks of life, calves are highly susceptible to fluid imbalance caused by environmental stress, management transitions and gastrointestinal illness. Calf hydration management is one of the most critical and often overlooked components of successful calf raising. In the first weeks of life, calves are highly susceptible to fluid imbalance caused by environmental stress, management transitions and gastrointestinal illness.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63122 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63122-maintaining-calf-performance-via-a-strategic-electrolyte-protocol 63122-matschke-dixon.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com Researchers assessed the effects of municipal tap water compared with purified water on calf performance and health. Researchers assessed the effects of municipal tap water compared with purified water on calf performance and health.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62806 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62806-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-effect-of-water-quality-on-calf-health-and-new-insights-on-fatty-acids 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 maxime_tarte@cargill.com In an increasingly demanding dairy production environment, the performance of replacement heifers is a major factor for ensuring herd profitability and sustainability. A solid rearing program goes beyond genetics – it starts with measuring current growth results. In an increasingly demanding dairy production environment, the performance of replacement heifers is a major factor for ensuring herd profitability and sustainability. A solid rearing program goes beyond genetics – it starts with measuring current growth results.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62538 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62538-small-calves-big-gains-maximizing-average-daily-gain-in-replacement-calves 62538-tarte-dixon.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It discusses how lung ultrasonography is improving our understanding and management of respiratory disease in young calves, and the effect of voluntary waiting period length on milk yield, fertility and culling in high-yielding, second-parity cows. This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It discusses how lung ultrasonography is improving our understanding and management of respiratory disease in young calves, and the effect of voluntary waiting period length on milk yield, fertility and culling in high-yielding, second-parity cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62545 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62545-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-lung-ultrasonography-in-dairy-calves-and-effect-of-vwp-length-on-second-parity-cows 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 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 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 Over the past few months, we’ve shared insights from this program on topics such as locomotion, nutrition and social housing for calves. One key topic remains: pain mitigation. Over the past few months, we’ve shared insights from this program on topics such as locomotion, nutrition and social housing for calves. One key topic remains: pain mitigation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61361 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61361-research-review-bringing-science-to-the-barn-new-fact-sheets-help-dairy-farmers-apply-the-latest-research-on-calf-and-cow-care 61361-research-review-1.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This article, from researchers from the University of Montreal and Lactanet, aimed at quantifying the impact and disability weight (DW) of frequent diseases or syndromes of preweaning dairy calves using the perceptions of producers and veterinarians. This article, from researchers from the University of Montreal and Lactanet, aimed at quantifying the impact and disability weight (DW) of frequent diseases or syndromes of preweaning dairy calves using the perceptions of producers and veterinarians.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61335 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61335-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-impacts-on-productivity-calf-disability-weights-body-condition-score 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 jamesre60@gmail.com Until recently, raising all heifer calves to breeding age or calving and selling them was not profitable. Using the concept of genomics, lower-ranking females in the herd have been bred to beef sires, resulting in a new profit center for many farms. Finally, we are learning to appreciate that the better we raise our heifer calves, the healthier they are, and they produce more milk during their first and later lactations. Until recently, raising all heifer calves to breeding age or calving and selling them was not profitable. Using the concept of genomics, lower-ranking females in the herd have been bred to beef sires, resulting in a new profit center for many farms. Finally, we are learning to appreciate that the better we raise our heifer calves, the healthier they are, and they produce more milk during their first and later lactations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60178 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60178-preweaned-calves-technology-and-long-term-profitability 60178-james-DSC_3719.jpg dmiller@immucell.com I occasionally get calls from customers and other producers about product features or lab samples where the results come back without a clear solution to the challenge. Some wonder why they even saw a scours outbreak and sick calves because they were doing a great job managing the calf environment and being diligent with their prevention program. It’s understandably frustrating for them, and they want answers. I occasionally get calls from customers and other producers about product features or lab samples where the results come back without a clear solution to the challenge. Some wonder why they even saw a scours outbreak and sick calves because they were doing a great job managing the calf environment and being diligent with their prevention program. It’s understandably frustrating for them, and they want answers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60014 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60014-winning-the-pathogen-challenge-a-game-plan-devised-by-experts 60014-miller-illustration.jpg ccarter@immucell.com I graduated college thinking I had learned everything I would need to know to be successful in a career in animal science. My first job as a calf-raising manager on a large calf ranch showed me that was far from the truth. I’m not saying college didn’t prepare me. It’s that I never would have expected to fail as much as I did. I graduated college thinking I had learned everything I would need to know to be successful in a career in animal science. My first job as a calf-raising manager on a large calf ranch showed me that was far from the truth. I’m not saying college didn’t prepare me. It’s that I never would have expected to fail as much as I did.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59795 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59795-sick-calves-where-did-i-trip-up ca-fr-social-9.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59762 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59762-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-health-traits-and-adaptations-of-immune-function-in-calves ca-fr-social-35.jpg alaarman@ualberta.ca Young calves are the future of most dairy herds, and their future production potential is directly tied to their growth and development pre-weaning. At birth, the rumen is non-functional, leaving the calf reliant on a liquid, milk-based diet. Young calves are the future of most dairy herds, and their future production potential is directly tied to their growth and development pre-weaning. At birth, the rumen is non-functional, leaving the calf reliant on a liquid, milk-based diet.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59673 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59673-how-different-rumen-environments-can-affect-health-in-dairy-calves 59673-laarman-grain.jpg jonathan.townsend@merck.com In the realm of calf raising, the adage holds true: "You can't manage what you can't measure." From birth to weaning, a variety of tests and measurements can help you evaluate the success of your calf-raising protocols, provide insights into calf health and highlight areas for improvement. In the realm of calf raising, the adage holds true: "You can't manage what you can't measure." From birth to weaning, a variety of tests and measurements can help you evaluate the success of your calf-raising protocols, provide insights into calf health and highlight areas for improvement.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59465 Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59465-can-your-calves-pass-these-tests 59465-townsend-edelweiss-farms.jpg jvanos@wisc.edu A potential consequence of the dual hutch housing system is that when calves choose to share a hutch, this could increase the risk of heat stress during warm weather. We conducted a study at the University of Wisconsin – Madison to see if this concern is warranted and to measure how calves use hutch ventilation. A potential consequence of the dual hutch housing system is that when calves choose to share a hutch, this could increase the risk of heat stress during warm weather. We conducted a study at the University of Wisconsin – Madison to see if this concern is warranted and to measure how calves use hutch ventilation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59540 Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59540-calves-can-vote-too-preferences-for-hutch-ventilation-during-summer rodrigogarcia@techmixglobal.com As the temperatures soar, managing heat stress in dairy and beef calves becomes key for ensuring the health and future productivity of the herd. Heat stress not only affects the immediate well-being of the animals but can also have long-term implications for their growth and development. As the temperatures soar, managing heat stress in dairy and beef calves becomes key for ensuring the health and future productivity of the herd. Heat stress not only affects the immediate well-being of the animals but can also have long-term implications for their growth and development. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59588 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59588-calves-under-the-sun-navigating-heat-stress-challenges bbrockmann@immucell.com By definition, scours is complex: a complex clinical symptom associated with multifactorial diseases that prevent the intestine from absorbing fluids and nutrients. Don’t throw up your hands and assume there is only so much you can do. By definition, scours is complex: a complex clinical symptom associated with multifactorial diseases that prevent the intestine from absorbing fluids and nutrients. Don’t throw up your hands and assume there is only so much you can do.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59148 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59148-counter-the-complexity-of-scours-with-a-focused-effort 59148-kunde-infrographic.jpg Cases began to appear more frequently from 2021 onward, as Chilliwack, British Columbia-based veterinarian John Dick began witnessing more cattle infected with S. Dublin in his clients’ herds, noticing that clinical signs varied markedly from the clinical signs typically present in other salmonella serotypes. Cases began to appear more frequently from 2021 onward, as Chilliwack, British Columbia-based veterinarian John Dick began witnessing more cattle infected with S. Dublin in his clients’ herds, noticing that clinical signs varied markedly from the clinical signs typically present in other salmonella serotypes.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59065 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59065-one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other-one-vets-take-on-salmonella-dublin ca-fr-social-43.jpg matt_dodd@diamondv.com Calves are not just a cost; they are the investment in the future potential of your dairy herd. As the promising carriers of our best genetics, they represent the assurance of future profitability. Calves are not just a cost; they are the investment in the future potential of your dairy herd. As the promising carriers of our best genetics, they represent the assurance of future profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59105 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59105-productive-life-starts-with-calves ca-fr-social-43.jpg kimmo@novonesis.com Raising calves in the winter brings many challenges, and feeding an effective probiotic is one tool that can help reduce the stress involved in calf raising. Raising calves in the winter brings many challenges, and feeding an effective probiotic is one tool that can help reduce the stress involved in calf raising.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59078 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:58:39 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59078-gi-tract-health-is-key-in-pneumonia-prevention drnele@crystalcreeknatural.com In this article, we investigate how advanced airflow software, commonly referred to as computational fluid dynamics or CFD, and 3D visualization software can help when planning a new calf facility. In this article, we investigate how advanced airflow software, commonly referred to as computational fluid dynamics or CFD, and 3D visualization software can help when planning a new calf facility.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58840 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58840-maximize-the-effectiveness-of-calf-barn-ventilation-with-computerized-calculations Calf health is an important consideration for dairy farmers. Disease impacts the health and welfare of calves and links to production, health and longevity of these calves as adult animals. Calf health is an important consideration for dairy farmers. Disease impacts the health and welfare of calves and links to production, health and longevity of these calves as adult animals.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58794 Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58794-research-review-genetic-selection-as-a-potential-mechanism-for-reducing-disease-in-dairy-calves 58794-research-review-dixon.jpg rmcbay@canarm.ca By prioritizing proper ventilation system design and operation, you can successfully house your calves indoors without compromising their health. By prioritizing proper ventilation system design and operation, you can successfully house your calves indoors without compromising their health.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58700 Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58700-managing-natural-ventilation-in-your-calf-barn 58700-mcbay-calf-barn-1.jpg mphilibeck@immucell.com While it may be tempting to raise every heifer calf, especially when replacement rates are high, it is essential to your profitability to identify when and why culling is necessary. While it may be tempting to raise every heifer calf, especially when replacement rates are high, it is essential to your profitability to identify when and why culling is necessary.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58671 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58671-completion-rate-and-herd-longevity-making-informed-decisions-on-culling-heifer-calves 58671-philibeck-calves.jpg