Today’s decisions, beginning even before a calf is born, can determine whether that heifer becomes a long-lasting, productive cow or falls short of her genetic potential.

Let's get right down to it: the what and whys of rat-tail syndrome (RTS) in cattle. This trait has been around for decades, and most ranchers and cattlemen are aware of it and can easily identify those tight, curly-haired little rascals at birth.

Ensuring optimal calving care for newborns is a top priority for producers. However, the responsibility doesn’t end as the calves leave the farmyard. Special attention must also be given to their nutrition and overall well-being as they transition to spring pastures and continue to grow during the summer months.

A tremendous amount of research has been published and continues to be performed related to colostrum management of dairy cattle. Much less research has addressed colostrum management in beef cattle and their calves.

Most calves are born without intervention, typically nursing on their own without significant attention from caretakers. They often adapt to their environment quickly, becoming productive members of the herd.

In this episode, David Mathes with DBC Ag Products, shares his tips for raising healthy, fast-growing calves. David discusses how to stay in front of calf health with proactive calf care.

Ranchers have so much invested in the genetics and in the long process of getting that live calf on the ground that we want to do everything we can to protect that investment. Let’s look at how to give our young calves the best possible start.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus, or BVDV, is one of the most frequent diseases dealt with in cattle, in all sectors of the industry.

Neonatal diarrhea, or calf scours, is one of the costliest diseases in the cattle business and is responsible for more mortalities in calves under 1 month old than any other disease.