Dairy Calves - News

Beef-on-Dairy Calves May Scour Less than Holsteins, New Research Shows

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:44:38 GMT

Beef-on-dairy calves have long been a solid income stream on many dairies, turning into a steady payout when they leave the farm and move into beef systems. More recently, farmers have also started to notice these calves often require fewer individual health treatments than their purebred counterparts, adding to their overall profitability.

Researchers like Melinda Kovacs, a master’s student at the University of Guelph, have started to take a closer look at how these calves perform early in life, when most health challenges tend to show up. One pattern that keeps surfacing is that crossbred calves tend to have fewer digestive issues than Holsteins, especially scours.

In her work, Kovacs found beef-on-dairy crossbred calves have lower diarrhea rates, fewer days with scours and fewer repeat treatments than Holsteins during the rearing phase.

“Producers were finding that the health of these crossbred calves was improved,” Kovacs explained during a recent “The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast” episode. “They were finding less health challenges, or these animals were able to recover from disease a little bit better than the purebred calves.”

Fewer Scours Cases Stand Out

The study followed approximately 640 calves housed at a single calf-rearing facility over about 18 months. Kovacs analyzed records from 446 Holstein calves and 194 beef-on-dairy crossbred calves.

Using twice-daily health scoring, Kovacs and her team monitored diarrhea and respiratory disease while also collecting weekly body weights, milk intake and starter feed intake data.

When she compared the two groups at the conclusion of the study, one health challenge stood out immediately.

“We found that the Holstein calves had a higher incidence of diarrhea compared to the crossbred calves,” Kovacs says. “We also found that translated to fewer days with diarrhea.”

Beef-on-dairy calves_Suanne Blackwell

(Suanne Blackwell)

The same trend appeared when she evaluated severe diarrhea cases.

“This is what we were expecting based on kind of our communication with producers,” Kovacs says. “That the crossbred calves would have less diarrhea in the preweaning or the rearing phase.”

For dairy farmers and calf raisers, fewer scours cases can influence nearly every part of calf performance. Diarrhea remains one of the most expensive calfhood diseases on dairies due to treatment costs, lost growth, labor demands and long-term health setbacks.

Crossbred Calves Needed Fewer Repeat Treatments

Kovacs also examined therapeutic interventions and found another difference between the groups.

“We did find that the Holstein calves had a higher hazard of being treated multiple times for both diarrhea and respiratory disease,” she says.

Respiratory disease rates themselves were similar between breeds, but the need for repeated treatment was higher in Holsteins. That finding could become more important as dairy and calf-rearing operations focus on reducing antibiotic use while still keeping calves healthy and performing well.

“Perhaps there’s a greater ability of these crossbred calves to recover from diseases compared to Holstein calves,” Kovacs adds.

Why Are Beef-on-Dairy Calves More Resilient?

(Farm Journal)

The study wasn’t designed to pin down exactly why the differences are showing up, but Kovacs thinks genetics likely play a role.

“In the dairy industry, we see a lot of inbreeding depression with the Holstein animals,” she says. “And I think perhaps we have some heterosis or hybrid vigor in these crossbred animals.”

Selection pressure may also contribute to the performance gap. Dairy genetics have focused on milk production traits, while beef genetics have emphasized growth and muscling.

“In the dairy industry, we’ve been genetically selecting for obviously higher milk production, whereas in the beef industry, we’ve been selecting for more growth traits,” Kovacs says. “So perhaps these crossbred calves are benefiting from the growth traits compared to the Holstein calves.”

She also found crossbred calves gained weight faster during the rearing phase.

“The crossbred calves did have higher growth rates, so higher average daily gains,” Kovacs says. “They were about [15 lb.] heavier than the Holstein calves when they were finished this rearing phase.”

Differences Continued Through Harvest

Kovacs and her team later expanded the project to follow some calves from birth through harvest at approximately 13 months of age. She wanted to better understand how calfhood health and management influence later feedlot and carcass performance.

Beef_carcasses

“Right now, there’s kind of a big disconnect between all of the different components of the industry, between the dairy farm of origin, the rearing, the feedlot and the abattoir,” Kovacs says.

The performance differences continued beyond the early rearing phase.

“The crossbred calves, I believe, were about [120 to 124 lb.] more in body weight compared to the Holsteins,” Kovacs says. “Which does have significant implications in terms of the cost benefit of these animals.”

She also identified differences in ribeye area and carcass composition, suggesting the advantages weren’t limited to early growth but carried through to how the animals finished at harvest.

More Research Still Needed

Even with the encouraging results, Kovacs says dairy producers should not assume crossbred calves require less attention or lower-quality care.

“With my findings, we see that they’re maybe more resilient or robust,” she says. “But I think those producers still need to be offering the best care to those calves to ensure their success.”

Kovacs adds that much of the existing calf research has historically focused on purebred Holsteins, leaving major knowledge gaps around nutrition and management requirements for beef-on-dairy calves.

“A lot of research that’s been done in the past has focused on purebred Holstein calves,” Kovacs says. “So, we don’t really know if the requirements of these crossbred calves for both maintenance and growth are the same as for a purebred Holstein calf.”

As beef-on-dairy programs continue to expand across the dairy industry, producers are paying closer attention to which calves stay healthier and perform better from start to finish. This research suggests fewer scours cases early in life may be part of the advantage, adding to the overall profitability of beef-on-dairy calves.

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

Clearing the Air About Ammonia in Calf Hutches

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:52:43 GMT

Most calf hutches look fine from the outside. But what’s happening inside the hutch, especially at calf level, is not always as obvious.

When wet bedding and manure break down, they release ammonia. In hutches, it builds up right where calves are breathing. Even at fairly low levels, it can affect intake, growth and overall performance.

During a recent episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, David Casper, a dairy nutritionist and owner of Casper’s Calf Ranch in Illinois, explains how ammonia develops in calf hutches and what it means from a management standpoint.

Airflow is a Strength

Calf hutches continue to be widely used across dairies because they naturally provide strong ventilation and keep calves in individual spaces that are easy to manage. They also offer flexibility as herds grow and do not require the same level of infrastructure as enclosed barns.

“In my opinion, the hutch would still be the gold standard as far as having the best environmental quality you could have, especially air quality, and not have to deal with ventilation problems,” Casper says.

Even so, ammonia can increase as bedding becomes damp. By the time it’s noticeable, calves have already been exposed.

“When we started using soy hulls, I started noticing ammonia in the hutches,” Casper says. “I could smell it and really picked up on it. And that’s when we started getting concerned.”

That realization prompted a closer look at ammonia levels in hutches and how they relate to calf growth and health.

Measuring Ammonia

To better understand the issue, Casper evaluated ammonia levels in 90 calf hutches. Calves were placed in alternating hutches assigned to either a control or treatment group, and ammonia was measured weekly.

“Once a week, we come through with a personal ammonia detector that’s digital, and we would turn that with the measuring system face down on the bedding,” he says. “After 30 seconds, you get a stable reading, and that was the ammonia reading in the hutch.”

Control hutches averaged about 10 parts per million, while treated hutches averaged around 1.5 parts per million, an 85% reduction.

“We actually reduced the ammonia levels in the hutches by 85%,” Casper says.

That difference was significat, as performance challenges can begin once ammonia exceeds about 4 to 6 parts per million.

“Basically the range is four to six parts per million,” he says. “Above that, you will actually start seeing performance losses or performance challenges.”

Ammonia levels varied widely between hutches. Wetter bedding, scours and older calves were all associated with higher readings.

“Some hutches would have values up to 100 parts per million and other ones would be very low,” Casper says.

Ammonia also tended to increase later in the preweaning period as calves consumed more starter.

“For our studies, week seven and eight were probably the higher ammonia readings,” Casper says. “The first week had almost no ammonia readings because they’re on freshly bedded straw and fecal output is very minimal.”

Impact on Calf Growth

Lower ammonia levels were also tied to better performance. Calves in lower ammonia environments gained more weight during the preweaning period.

“We actually picked up on a growth response as well,” Casper says. “We got .14 pounds more average daily gain.”

Milk feeding remained the same, pointing to differences in intake and environment.

“The calves that were in the lower ammonia levels in the hutches ate more calf starter and had better growth rates,” he says.

Calves in lower ammonia hutches also showed greater increases in heart girth, indicating more overall body development.

Managing Ammonia in the Hutch

While most dairies are not measuring ammonia regularly, several management areas influence how much builds up in hutches.

Bedding is the biggest driver. Keeping bedding dry and well maintained helps limit ammonia. Deep straw provides insulation and absorbs moisture, but it needs to be refreshed regularly, especially later in the preweaning period.

“A calf can take a lot of cold weather if they’ve got deep straw bedding that they can nest down into and stay warm,” Casper says.

Moisture control is also important. Hutches with scours or poor drainage tend to have higher ammonia levels, so identifying problem hutches early can help target extra bedding or cleanout.

Smell is another indicator. If ammonia is noticeable when checking calves, levels are already elevated.

Timing matters as well. Ammonia tends to increase as calves get older and consume more starter, so bedding management often needs to be more aggressive in the later weeks before weaning.

A few practical hutch-specific steps producers can use include:

Add fresh straw more often in the back third of the hutch, where moisture tends to build first
Pull wet bedding away from the calf’s resting area instead of just layering on top
Pay close attention to hutches with scouring calves and re-bed them first
Check bedding depth at the calf level, not just at the front entrance of the hutch
Clean or fully reset hutches between groups when possible to reduce carryover moisture

Paying attention to these areas can help keep ammonia levels lower and support more consistent calf performance through the preweaning period.

Hidden Pneumonia in Calves: Why More Dairies Use Ultrasound to Catch Respiratory Disease Early

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:06:17 GMT

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains one of the most common and costly health challenges in preweaned dairy calves. The challenge is that many cases develop long before calves show visible symptoms.

“By the time calves show obvious clinical signs of respiratory disease, lung damage may already be present,” says Aerica Bjurstrom, regional dairy educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “That’s why tools that help us detect pneumonia earlier can make a big difference in calf health and long-term performance.”

Traditional diagnosis relies on symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, or elevated temperature. But these signs often appear late in the disease process. In many cases, calves may look completely healthy while still carrying lung infections.

This form of illness, known as subclinical pneumonia, can reduce growth, feed efficiency and even future milk production.

“The lungs can really act as an indicator organ,” Bjurstrom explains. “Respiratory disease often reflects larger management challenges, such as poor colostrum intake, nutrition issues, or environmental stress.”

The Hidden Pneumonia Problem

Research has shown that pneumonia often develops days before visible symptoms appear.

“Ultrasound allows us to see what’s happening inside the lung tissue, even when the calf looks normal from the outside,” Bjurstrom says. “In many cases, pneumonia can be present for days before any clinical signs appear.”

Studies suggest that 50% to 80% of pneumonia cases may remain subclinical for 7 to 14 days before producers notice symptoms. That delay can allow lung damage to progress before treatment begins.

“Sometimes calves with severe pneumonia don’t show obvious symptoms,” Bjurstrom says. “But an ultrasound exam can reveal lung lesions that tell us the disease is already present.”

How Lung Ultrasound Works

Lung ultrasonography allows veterinarians to examine calf lungs in real time using portable ultrasound equipment.

A normal lung appears air-filled on the scan and produces horizontal white lines that move with each breath. These lines indicate healthy lung tissue.

Changes in the image can reveal early disease.

“Comet tails are bright vertical lines that extend down from the lung surface,” Bjurstrom says. “A few may be normal, but severe or diffuse comet tailing can suggest interstitial disease caused by fluid or inflammation within the lung.”

More advanced disease appears as lung consolidation, where portions of the lung fill with inflammatory material instead of air. On ultrasound, these areas appear as solid gray regions.

Veterinarians often use a 0 to 5 lung scoring system to evaluate severity.

“This scoring system helps identify disease before calves begin coughing or showing nasal discharge,” Bjurstrom says. “Early detection allows for earlier treatment and better outcomes.”

Dr. Ollivett demonstrates positioning for thoracic ultrasound scanning on a calf’s right lung.

(Denise Garlow, University of Wisconsin)

Why Early Detection Matters

Even when calves show no visible symptoms, lung damage can affect their long-term performance.

In one study of more than 600 Holstein heifers, calves with lung consolidation detected at weaning were less likely to become pregnant and more likely to leave the herd before first calving.

Another study found calves with significant lung lesions in the first eight weeks of life produced 1,155 pounds less milk during their first lactation.

“These findings highlight why early detection matters,” Bjurstrom says. “Subclinical disease can still influence growth, reproduction, and milk production later in life.”

Improving Treatment Outcomes

Early detection can also make treatment more effective.

“When pneumonia is caught earlier, treatment tends to work better,” Bjurstrom explains. “We’re able to intervene before the disease becomes severe and causes permanent lung damage.”

Ultrasound can also help veterinarians monitor recovery.

“That monitoring aspect is important,” she says. “It helps ensure calves are improving and reduces unnecessary retreatment.”

A Management Tool for Farms

Beyond diagnosis, lung ultrasound is increasingly used as a herd management tool.

“Ultrasound gives producers objective information about lung health,” Bjurstrom says. “That can help guide decisions about treatment, culling, or adjusting weaning timing for calves that may need more time to recover.”

Regular scanning can also reveal herd-level trends tied to management practices.

“When used consistently, ultrasound becomes a benchmarking tool,” Bjurstrom says. “It can help farms evaluate colostrum programs, ventilation, sanitation, and other factors that influence calf health.”

A Growing Tool in Calf Health Programs

Portable ultrasound units have become more accessible and easier to use, making them more common in calf health programs. With proper training, scanning a calf’s lungs typically takes less than a minute.

“The equipment requires an initial investment, but the information it provides can be incredibly valuable,” Bjurstrom says. “Earlier detection can lead to better management decisions, improved calf growth, and fewer losses.”

As dairy farms continue adopting more data-driven management practices, lung ultrasound is giving producers a new way to detect disease sooner and protect the long-term potential of their calves.

“Lung ultrasound helps us move beyond waiting for visible symptoms,” Bjurstrom says. “It allows producers and veterinarians to identify problems earlier and take action before long-term damage occurs.”

Better Colostrum Decisions Start with the Right Tools

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:39:55 GMT

Not all colostrum is created equal, and understanding its quality can influence how well calves get started. That’s why having the right tools to measure colostrum quality can help producers make better feeding decisions for newborn calves.

Immunoglobulin (IgG) levels in colostrum can vary widely, from less than 20 mg/mL to more than 100 mg/mL depending on factors like the cow’s breed, health history, season and how much colostrum she produces. In general, colostrum with at least 50 mg/mL of IgG is considered high quality and provides the antibodies calves need for a strong start.

Because of that variation, appearance alone is not a reliable way to judge colostrum quality. Many producers use on-farm tools to measure IgG levels and sort high-quality colostrum from the rest. Two common options are the colostrometer and the Brix refractometer, each with its own pros and cons, according to Jud Heinrichs, Professor Emeritus of Dairy Nutrition at Penn State University, and Coleen M. Jones, former research associate in dairy.

colostrumfeeding.jpg

Colostrometer

The colostrometer is a hydrometer that floats in a sample of colostrum and measures its specific gravity. The tool is placed in a cylinder of colostrum and allowed to float freely. A color-coded scale estimates the IgG concentration: green indicates more than 50 mg/mL and high-quality colostrum, yellow falls between 20 and 50 mg/mL, and red shows less than 20 mg/mL.

Because of the color scale, the colostrometer is best used to sort colostrum into general quality categories rather than to measure an exact IgG value. This makes it easier to identify which colostrum is ideal for the first feeding and which should be saved for later feedings or mixed with transition milk.

The Pros:

Simple and inexpensive, usually under $100.
Lets you quickly separate high-quality colostrum from lower-quality batches.
Can test several samples from the same milking.

The Cons:

Temperature matters. Room temperature (around 72°F) gives the most accurate reading. Colder colostrum will look better than it is, and warmer colostrum will look worse.
Other components in colostrum, like fat and protein, can affect readings. It’s better for sorting than for precise IgG numbers.
The colostrometer is made of glass, so it can break if it’s dropped or handled roughly.

Brix Refractometer

A Brix refractometer is normally used to measure sugar, but it can also give a good estimate of IgG in colostrum. To use it, just place a few drops of colostrum on the prism, lower the cover and the digital display gives a quick, easy-to-read Brix value.

A reading of 22% or higher usually means the colostrum contains 50 mg/mL of IgG or more, making it adequate for newborn calves. Research shows the Brix refractometer tends to match lab-tested IgG levels better than a colostrometer, and it’s less fragile., which makes it easier to handle day after day without worrying about breaking it.

The Pros:

More accurate than a colostrometer.
Sturdy, especially digital models.
Works well across a range of colostrum temperatures and even frozen or thawed samples.
Can also estimate total solids in milk or IgG in calf serum.

The Cons:

Optical models can be tricky with high-fat colostrum because the line can blur. Digital models read it more clearly.
Slightly higher cost for digital models, but farm-friendly options are available for under $100.
Needs regular cleaning and occasional calibration to keep it accurate.

Both tools give farmers a practical way to know which colostrum will help calves get a strong start. The colostrometer is simple and inexpensive, perfect for separating the best colostrum from the rest. The Brix refractometer is more accurate and easier to read with thick, fatty colostrum. Either tool can help make sure calves get enough IgG to grow healthy and stay well.

Serum Total Protein as a Benchmark for Calf Program Performance

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:34:29 GMT

Serum total protein (STP) testing has a relatively straightforward purpose in calf medicine: determining whether newborn calves successfully absorbed antibodies from colostrum.

But according to Bethany Dado-Senn, calf and heifer technical specialist with Vita Plus Corp, the metric is increasingly being used in a broader way. Rather than evaluating passive transfer in individual calves alone, many dairies now track STP results across groups of calves to assess how well their maternity and colostrum programs are working.

Few management decisions influence calf health more than what happens in the first hours after birth. Because STP reflects those early management decisions, it can provide rapid feedback about how well a calf program is functioning.

Why Serum Total Protein Matters

Serum total protein provides a practical proxy for immunoglobulin absorption after colostrum feeding. If calves receive adequate high-quality colostrum shortly after birth, STP values typically fall into higher ranges. If colostrum management is inconsistent or delayed, STP levels tend to drop.

The test is inexpensive and easy to perform using a refractometer, which has made it one of the most widely used field tools for evaluating passive transfer.

Research shows STP and passive transfer status is closely linked to calf health. In a large cohort study of over 4,000 calves, passive transfer status was associated with differences in disease incidence, mortality risk and early growth performance.

Calves with higher STP concentrations experienced fewer health events during the preweaning period compared with calves in lower passive transfer categories. These findings suggest STP reflects more than antibody transfer alone. It may also capture the combined effects of colostrum quality, feeding timing and early calf care.

These relationships have led veterinarians to view STP as an early indicator of overall calf program success.

Understanding STP Benchmarks

Modern passive transfer benchmarks are largely based on research evaluating thousands of dairy calves. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association classification system divides calves into four categories based on serum total protein levels.

Passive Transfer Category	Serum Total Protein
Poor	<5.1 g/dL
Fair	5.1–5.7 g/dL
Good	5.8–6.1 g/dL
Excellent	≥6.2 g/dL

Strong colostrum programs typically achieve:

At least 40% of calves in the “excellent” category
Fewer than 10% in the “poor” category

“Calves in that poor category have a four times increase in mortality risk and about a one and a half times increased risk of bovine respiratory disease and scours,” Dado-Senn says.

Tracking these proportions over time helps farms monitor the consistency of colostrum management.

Serum protein concentrations gradually decline as calves age. For that reason, sample calves between 2 and 4 days of age whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent sampling protocol is especially important when STP is used as a herd-level benchmark.

From Diagnostic Test to Management Benchmark

Rather than focusing only on individual calves, many dairy operations now track herd-level STP results over time. Some farms monitor average STP values by month or quarter, while others track the percentage of calves falling into different passive transfer categories.

In some cases, the metric is even used as a management tool to encourage employee performance.

“There are a number of dairies that I work with that utilize things like serum total proteins or average daily gains of their calves as kind of a performance benchmark for their staff. There might be a list on the door saying, ‘Hey, here’s our serum total protein goal. Here’s where everybody is relative to that,’” Dado-Senn says.

Using STP this way creates a direct feedback loop between colostrum management and measurable outcomes. When calf-care teams can see how their practices translate into herd metrics, it becomes easier to identify where protocols are working and where adjustments may be needed.

Tracking STP Trends Over Time

Evaluating STP results as trends rather than isolated measurements can be helpful for evaluating broader systems. Monitoring herd averages and passive transfer categories over time can reveal subtle changes in colostrum management before clinical problems appear.

In herds with strong maternity protocols, STP trends can remain consistently high. Dado-Senn describes one dairy client who tracks STP trends on a quarterly basis.

“Looking at serum total protein trends over quarters, they do an absolutely fantastic job. Their averages are well-above the excellent range and they typically don’t have much more than 1% or 2% in the poor category,” Dado-Senn says.

Tracking results this way gives farms a broader evaluation of calf program performance, allowing them to make system-wide improvements.

Detect Management Problems Early

Because STP reflects events that occur immediately after birth, shifts in herd averages can reveal management issues before disease outbreaks occur.

Declining STP values may signal:

delayed colostrum feeding
lower colostrum quality
changes in maternity staffing
inconsistent colostrum handling protocols

Spot testing calves periodically can identify these problems quickly.

A Simple Test with Growing Influence

Calf programs involve many moving parts, from maternity management to housing and nutrition. Yet the earliest decisions in a calf’s life often have the greatest impact. Serum total protein testing provides a simple way to measure the success of those decisions.

What began as a diagnostic test for passive transfer is increasingly becoming something more: a practical performance indicator for the entire calf system.

Does Every Calf Need a Gallon of Colostrum? Not Necessarily

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:04:44 GMT

For years, feeding a gallon of colostrum shortly after birth has been considered the gold standard for calf care. It’s simple, easy to remember and straightforward to train employees to follow. But today’s calves don’t all look the same. With more variation in size, some researchers are asking whether the same volume makes sense for every newborn.

During a recent “Dairy Health Blackbelt” podcast, Dr. Sabine Mann, associate professor at Cornell University, revisited the research behind that long-standing recommendation.

“One of the questions I have gotten frequently is, why are we feeding all calves a gallon of colostrum?” she says. “It’s a pretty widespread management strategy in the U.S. And if you try to dig into the literature of why that came about, there’s actually not that much evidence that that is the best approach for every calf.”

She notes that for an average 85- to 90-pound calf, four liters is probably appropriate. But not every calf falls into that range. When birthweights vary, feeding the same volume across the board may not always match what each individual calf truly needs.

Putting the Gallon Rule to the Test

To take a closer look at the gallon recommendation, Dr. Mann and her team conducted a study on a commercial dairy in collaboration with researchers at the University of Guelph.

They began by pooling colostrum to keep quality consistent across calves. From each pool, four calves were assigned different feeding levels based on a percentage of their body weight.

“We made a big pool of colostrum, and then we assigned four calves to that pool, and one calf got 6% and one calf got 8% and one calf got 10% and one calf got 12% so that was our range, six to 12,” Mann explains.

Rather than giving every calf the same fixed volume, the team adjusted how much colostrum each calf received relative to its size.

The intent was not to create a complicated system requiring producers to weigh every calf and calculate exact doses.

“This is not meant for people to weigh each and every single one of the calves and then figure out the milliliters,” Mann says. “But it’s for us to understand, is there an effect on the calf’s ability to take up IgG into circulation. And if there is, how would we translate this into actionable recommendations on farm.”

Ultimately, the study focused on whether feeding different amounts based on body weight would influence how well calves absorb the antibodies they need early in life.

More Isn’t Always Better

The study looked at how different colostrum volumes (as a percent of body weight) affected IgG in the blood, absorption efficiency, stomach emptying and calf comfort. As expected, bigger feeds gave calves more total IgG

“We found that the more volume they got within a certain quality of colostrum, the more IgG they had in their blood, which makes sense, right? The more you give, the more you get,” Mann says.

But the benefit slowed at the highest volume, 12% of the calf’s body weight.

“There was a declining return on investment, so to say, with increasing volumes,” Mann says. “There was a steep increase from 6% to 8% to 10% of body weight, but only a very small improvement in blood IgG concentration at 12% of body weight.”

This happened because calves absorbed a smaller proportion of the IgG when fed very large amounts.

“The proportion of the IgG in colostrum that actually appears in the blood was declining, meaning that the more volume you put into them, the less proportion the calf can actually take up into that in that window of time.”

When calves get a large meal, their stomach empties more slowly, so less colostrum reaches the intestine while the gut is still “open” to IgG absorption.

“We wanted to see if different volumes affect how the stomach empties colostrum into the intestine, and timing matters because the gut is only open for IgG absorption for a limited period.”

She compared it humans overeating during a holiday meal.

“We do this around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we sit there and our belly hurts, right? Our systems know to slow down the gastric output in those situations, and that’s the same that happens in calves.”

Calf Comfort and Behavior

Dr. Mann’s team also looked at calf behavior, since small calves fed four liters often appear bloated or uncomfortable.

“We were interested in this notion from the field, and we did observe that the more volume we fed, the more we saw behavior associated with colic, like kicking the abdomen,” she says.

While lying time wasn’t significantly affected, higher volumes tended to reduce relaxed resting.

“We didn’t find a statistical effect in lying time, but those calves fed higher volumes tended to lie less in a relaxed position, similar to us at Thanksgiving,” she joked.

The “Goldilocks” Approach

When it comes to determining how much colostrum a calf truly needs, Mann describes the “Goldilocks” approach as the best option.

“I think we’re getting back to a Goldilocks approach where you want to have enough, but you don’t have to give too much,” she says. “Just the right amount is most beneficial to the calf.”

Based on this research, around 10% of a calf’s body weight is a solid target for an initial feeding. That amount provides enough immunoglobulins to support immunity without overwhelming the stomach, and it can be adjusted for smaller or larger calves.

Mann adds that while colostrum is packed with nutrients, extra benefits might be better delivered through multiple feedings rather than one very large meal.

“The nutritive value of colostrum should not be underestimated, but we also have to keep in mind the comfort of the calf,” she says. “Maybe it’s better given in separate feedings. A lot of farms have gone to feeding second feedings or even third feedings of colostrum.”

Practical Takeaways

While colostrum is essential for newborn calf health, Mann emphasizes that the goal isn’t to hit a fixed volume, but to give calves the right start while keeping them comfortable. She provides the following tips to use on the farm:

1. Know your herd’s average birth weight. “A good first step is to know the average birth weight of calves in your herd, since that can vary,” Mann says. “Once you know that, you can adjust the colostrum volume to match your average calf.”

2. Use a couple of standard volumes rather than one fixed size, “Many herds now use two standard volumes, like three liters and four liters. That way, even without a scale, you can look at a calf and decide: this one won’t be over 85 pounds, so it gets the smaller amount,” she says.

3. Consider second or third colostrum feedings. “Instead of giving all the colostrum at once, it can help to split it into two or three feedings if your farm can manage it,” Mann says. “Many people see benefits from this, though we could always use a bit more research to confirm.”

A Closer Look at Delayed Cow-Calf Separation

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:50:51 GMT

Delayed cow-calf separation is a topic that usually gets people talking — whether they are focusing on animal welfare, public perception or personal experience. However, we rarely see the conversation anchored in controlled data. New, yet-to-be-published research from Dr. Adam Beard and his team at Cornell University is changing that, providing a clearer picture of how short-term contact and transition milk feeding affect a calf’s early life.

The study focused on the perinatal period: the final two months of pregnancy through the first two months after birth. This is a time of developmental plasticity, meaning management decisions can have a long-term impact on growth and future performance.

“We were interested in the physiologic impacts of transition milk feeding, as well as the societal components of cow-calf contact — if it’s something that’s feasible, could be implemented and what challenges might there be,” Beard explains.

While we know how much prenatal care matters, the big question remains: Does staying with the mother after birth continue to have a meaningful biological effect?

To find out, researchers set up a controlled study where delayed separation was defined as unrestricted contact for the first five days of life. Calves in this group stayed with their dams, had full social contact and nursed freely.

They were compared to two other groups that were separated immediately: one fed the dam’s transition milk and another fed bulk tank whole milk. To ensure the results weren’t skewed by a poor start, every calf in the study met strict criteria for high-quality colostrum intake and birth vigor.

Does Delayed Separation Affect Passive Transfer of Immunity?

A common worry is that delayed separation might interfere with a calf’s immune system. In this study, it didn’t. All calves received high-quality colostrum (>22% Brix) shortly after birth, and their antibody levels (serum IgG) were the same regardless of whether they stayed with the cow or were moved. This reinforces that the timing and quality of colostrum are the real drivers of immunity, not the housing method.

Impact of Nursing on Calf Growth and Health Risks

For those first five days, nursing calves did appear heavier. However, the researchers found this difference disappeared quickly after separation. The early weight gain was likely just gut fill — a result of nursing frequency — rather than actual tissue growth. By day seven, after all calves had transitioned to a standard feeding schedule, the weights converged and no lasting differences remained.

Health risks are often seen as a major barrier to keeping cows and calves together. However, this data showed no link between delayed separation and a higher frequency of fever or diarrhea.

“Some people might suspect that this would make calves more vulnerable to health challenges,” Beard says. “We just don’t see that here.”

While scours occurred across all groups, the patterns were consistent with what is typically seen in newborns, regardless of the feeding system.

The team followed replacement heifers through nine weeks of age. Across the board, there were no differences in:

Average daily gain
Final body weight
Hip and withers height
Solid feed intake before weaning

How Suckling Affects Cow Milk Yield and Udder Health

While the calves were nursing, there was a predictable drop in salable milk yield. However, production rebounded within 24 hours of separation, and there were no lasting penalties in early lactation.

Interestingly, preliminary findings suggested cows being suckled had higher cure rates for intramammary infections, though that analysis is ongoing. Notably, the study reported no calf injuries or human safety incidents during the contact period.

Is Short-Term Cow-Calf Contact Practical?

“We don’t have any results that are remarkably different between the transition milk, whole milk or transition milk with cow-calf contact, but the outcomes also weren’t any worse for having the calf in the environment with the cow,” Beard says.

This research doesn’t suggest that delayed cow-calf separation is a performance-enhancing tool. When calves already receive great colostrum and consistent management, the growth and health outcomes are largely neutral.

The real takeaway is short-term contact can be implemented without negative effects under controlled conditions. Proving this practice isn’t inherently risky will allow the industry to move past anecdotal fears and look deeper into the biology of transition milk and long-term development.

Can Young Calves Manage Distillers Grain?

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Soybean meal is currently the nearly universal protein source for calf starter grain formulations in the U.S.

But if you could tame some of the wilier aspects of distillers grain, it too can pack a powerful protein punch. Dr. Billy Brown, Assistant Professor at Kansas State University specializing in dairy cattle nutrition, discussed that possibility on a recent episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt podcast.

“One of the fascinating aspects of the ethanol industry today is that they’re getting really aggressive about trying to add value to the co-products they’re producing,” Brown noted. “It’s not just a bi-product. They’re doing a great job of trying to add value to those products that could realistically do great things for us in the dairy industry.”

Brown and his colleague recently conducted a preweaned calf study evaluating a specialty distillers grain product called “ Protomax^TM , manufactured by ICM, Inc.

The researcher noted there has been very little published literature summarizing research utilizing distillers grain as a protein source in calf starters. He said the few studies that have been performed showed relatively poor performance for calves fed distillers grains, in terms of calf growth and average daily gain (ADG).

“The high fiber content of the corn bran in distillers grains is probably a little bit more difficult for those calves to digest in that early life period,” Brown stated.

But thanks to a fractionation process that removes the corn brand, Protomax is more easily digested by preweaned calves. And, unlike earlier renditions of distillers grain, this product is dried without the solubles and fiber fractions.

The result is a highly digestible, low-fiber feedstuff that rivals soybean meal in protein content at about 50% crude protein. Brown said the manufacturers are also enhancing the product by fermenting yeast bodies, condensing the products of fermentation, and adding them back into the finished high-protein distillers grain.

Brown and his colleagues recently conducted a study comparing a starter grain formulation containing the new product to traditional calf starter using soybean meal as the protein source.

“We kind of expected some negative results as a part of including this high-protein corn product in the diet,” shared Brown. “We actually saw the opposite. Calves on the high-protein corn product grew more, had greater average daily gain, and tended to have more dry-matter intake, but there was no evidence of difference in feed efficiency.”

Even more encouraging were the results of actual digestibility. “To our surprise, the calves on the high-protein corn product actually had greater apparent total tract digestibility and crude protein digestibility,” he shared.

Brown noted that, compared to previous studies of distillers grains in preweaned calf diets, the Kansas State researchers were mindful of amino acid balancing. They used the CNCPS model to meet estimated lysine and methionine requirements using rumen-protected supplements for those potentially limiting amino acids.

And the financial bottom line? Encouraging as well. The cost of the distillers grain-based ration was about $5.00/ton less than the traditional soybean meal-based ration. Even including the cost of the amino acid supplements, the net cost was about 6 cents/calf/day lower for the distillers ration.

While acknowledging this study is an initial foray into a whole new possibility for preweaned calf rations, Brown is encouraged by the results.

“We know that calves that gain more weight in the preweaning period have greater lifetime milk production,” he noted. “A lot of that comes from the milk feeding program, but if we can also help accomplish that with the grain feeding program – even carrying into the post-weaning period for a month or so – that’s a really positive benefit for that calf long-term down the road.”

Your Next Read: There are Many “Wheys” to Feed Dairy Cows

How Should Scouring Calves be Treated?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:41:00 GMT

What ultimately threatens the survival of a scouring calf isn’t the diarrhea itself, but the cascade of dehydration, acid-base imbalance and energy flow that follows. As calving season approaches and temperatures drop, a familiar challenge presents itself: deciding how to intervene quickly and effectively before metabolic collapse sets in.

Neonatal calf scours is fundamentally a metabolic disease. Sodium, chloride and potassium are lost through diarrhea, D-lactate accumulates, blood pH drops, calves become weak, stop drinking milk and rapidly run out of energy reserves. Effective treatment means correcting these problems in a timely manner.

Treatment for a Scouring Calf

In the rush to do something, treatment with an antibiotic might be tempting, but a fluid plan could be the right call.

“Certainly, it seems way easier to give a shot than it is to actually go inside and mix up a bottle of electrolytes,” says Dr. Geoffrey Smith, dairy technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, on an episode of “ Have You Herd .” However, when treating a scouring calf, the goal isn’t simply to stop diarrhea, it’s to correct the metabolic derailment that diarrhea causes. “Your main treatment goals are correcting dehydration, making sure we’re replacing those electrolytes, sodium and potassium in particular, something to give that calf some energy, and ultimately, the goal is to get it back on milk.”

Achieving these goals depends not only on what fluids are used, but how they are delivered. Oral electrolyte therapy and IV fluids are both good options, but choosing the treatment that is best for each calf is important.

Oral Versus IV Fluids: Making the Call

According to Smith, oral electrolytes are appropriate for calves that are:

Still standing
Alert or mildly depressed
Able to swallow safely

IV fluids should be considered for calves that are:

Down or unwilling to stand
Severely depressed
Not responding to oral therapy

It used to be that IV fluids weren’t a part of the consideration, given the expertise or potential vet call required for administration, but with the increased value of calves, they’re being used more commonly.

Choosing an Oral Electrolyte that Works

There are a variety of oral electrolyte products available on the market. Smith says there are four things that should be considered when choosing a treatment.

Sodium concentration

“Sodium is really the backbone of that extracellular fluid,” Smith says. “If we don’t replace sodium, we’re not going to adequately rehydrate that calf.” He recommends somewhere in the 90 to 130 millimolar range to hit the hydration needs.

Glycine

Glycine is needed in the mix to increase sodium absorption across the gut wall. Glycine and sodium absorption in the intestine are closely linked, with glycine significantly enhancing sodium and water uptake via coupled transport mechanisms. It’s important to check your ingredients list as glycine is expensive and often left out of cheaper products.

An alkalizing agent

“Acidosis is critical; that’s probably why the calf is ultimately dying,” Smith says. “We need to make sure that our oral electrolyte has what we would call an alkalizing agent or something in there that will help increase the pH of the blood.” Sodium acetate or sodium bicarbonate are good options.

The strong ion difference

The strong ion difference, or the difference between the concentrations of strong cations and strong anions, is calculated by adding together the sodium and potassium concentrations and subtracting the chloride concentration. Smith advises a strong ion difference of at least 60 millimolar for oral electrolyte solutions for calves.

IV Fluid Options: Selecting for Speed and Effect

Large-volume isotonic fluids, such as lactated Ringer’s, are useful when a farm has the space and time to hold a calf, but to really hydrate the calf, it would need 4 liters to 5 liters.

“If you have a calf that’s flat out and really acidotic, lactated Ringer’s may not be the best because it’s going to take six to eight hours to really start seeing increases in blood pH,” Smith says. “There’s nothing wrong with lactated Ringer’s, but a lot of people have moved on to other fluids they could give in smaller volumes and still have a similar effect.”

Isotonic sodium bicarbonate is another option to correct the blood pH faster than lactated Ringer’s, but calves still need a large volume, about 4 liters.

Hypertonic saline can quickly improve calf hydration by creating an osmotic gradient between the gut and the blood, but it must be combined with oral electrolytes. Further, hypertonic saline is concentrated enough that it can be dosed via syringe instead of a catheter; however, it doesn’t address the acidosis.

“If we have a calf that’s recumbent or laying there on its side, probably that calf has pretty severe acidosis. I’m tempted to give hypertonic saline because I know it’s easy to do,” Smith says. “I may correct the dehydration, but if I don’t also correct the acidosis, the calf may go ahead and die after I leave.”

Hypertonic sodium bicarbonate supports both rehydration and pH correction, making it particularly valuable for recumbent or severely acidotic calves when rapid stabilization is needed. An oral electrolyte must also accompany treatment. Another benefit according to Smith, is that this can be made fairly easily at whatever concentration you’re comfortable with to address the bicarbonate deficit.

“When your calf is recumbent and doesn’t want to stand, your base deficit is at least 20 mEQ/L,” says Smith, recommending something in the ballpark of 500 mEQ of bicarbonate for a calf depending on weight.

Next Steps After Fluid Terapy for Calves with Scours

Recovery doesn’t end with the first fluid intervention. Smith recommends continued daily electrolyte support until the diarrhea resolves, typically three to five days. Calves that relapse after initial improvement frequently reflect incomplete correction of acidosis. Environmental factors matter as well; hypothermic calves respond poorly to fluids alone and should be warmed as part of therapy.

Successful scours management depends on aligning treatment with the calf’s physiological needs. Fluids that restore volume, correct acidosis and support a return to milk consistently outperform approaches that focus elsewhere. As calving season begins, reviewing protocols before calves go down can make the difference between recovery and loss.

Neonatal Calf Distress: Managing the First 24 Hours

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:11:16 GMT

The first 24 hours of life represent the most vulnerable period a calf will ever experience, where oxygen deprivation, metabolic acidosis, trauma and pain can quickly overwhelm an already compromised neonate. Managing neonatal distress involves early detection, rapid assessment and decisive intervention.

Many distressed calves arrive compromised. Prolonged calving, excessive traction or repeated premature intervention increase the likelihood of hypoxia, trauma and delayed physiologic recovery. A live calf is not necessarily a stable calf. Distress is often subtle in the first minutes and can be missed if assessment relies solely on heart rate or movement.

Dr. Ryan Breuer of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine outlined the following early indicators of neonatal distress:

Delayed head lifting or failure to achieve sternal recumbency
Irregular, shallow or gasping respiration
Blue or pale mucous membranes
Meconium staining
Swollen head or tongue

“If calves are not trying to get up or won’t stay in sternal recumbency after 15 minutes, these calves have a very poor prognosis,” Breuer says. These calves need immediate veterinary care and are often experiencing combined hypoxia and metabolic acidosis.

“Acid is toxic to the brain and can cause scarring and neurologic death to the brain tissue,” adds Breuer, listing blindness as a neurologic sign to look out for. “These animals can’t see, or they’ll start stargazing, tipping their nose to the sky.”

Respiratory Distress: The Primary Emergency

Respiratory compromise is the most immediate life-threatening component of neonatal distress. Newborn lungs have never expanded, and even mild impairment can prevent adequate oxygen exchange.

“Open mouth and flaring nostrils are signs of respiratory distress,” explains Breuer, adding that blue tinged or cyanotic mucous membranes are also indicators that the calf is not getting enough oxygen. “If the heart rate is less than 50 beats per minute and falling, intervention is going to be needed to save them.”

Calves in respiratory distress should be placed in sternal recumbency to maximize lung expansion. Physical stimulation including vigorous rubbing, nasal septum stimulation or pressure on the nasal philtrum can trigger inspiratory reflexes and help initiate more effective breathing.

Other Distress Indicators in Calves

Meconium staining is a visible indicator that the calf experienced distress before delivery. Passage of the meconium into the uterus typically reflects prolonged time in the birth canal or delayed delivery.

“Now that the amniotic sac has ruptured, there’s mixing of the waste and what the calf is submerged in,” Breuer says. “This can cause issues down the road because it can cause difficulties in cleaning that airway.”

Calves born with meconium staining are more likely to experience respiratory compromise, difficulty clearing airways and delayed stabilization after birth.

Trauma from dystocia can contribute to pain, reduced movement, impaired breathing mechanics and delayed recovery. Swelling of the head, tongue and soft tissues can further compromise airways and oxygen delivery.

Ongoing Monitoring Through the First 24 Hours

Calves that survive an initial distress event remain at elevated risk through the first 24 hours of life. Ongoing monitoring for declining vigor, abnormal respiration or changes in responsiveness is essential as early compromise often evolves rather than resolves.

Many calves that survive neonatal distress reappear later as poor performers, respiratory cases or unexplained losses. Effective neonatal distress management is not about saving every calf but about recognizing when intervention can still alter the outcome and preventing avoidable compromise. The first 24 hours determine which calves stabilize and recover and which never fully catch up.

To learn more about the first 24 hours of neonatal calf care among other topics, check out the Dairy Cattle Welfare Council webinar series .

5 Considerations for Calf Care

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:39:33 GMT

Calves that struggle rarely do so because a single decision was wrong. More often, they falter because their daily environment, feeding or handling is unpredictable. Inconsistent inputs can quietly undermine digestion, immunity and growth, creating calves that never quite thrive and are repeatedly flagged for treatment.

“How do we improve consistency?” asks Ohio State University Extension specialist Jason Hartschuh when speaking on the proper care of calves . “Consistency is critical.”

When working with calf operations, consistency is not a management buzzword but a biological requirement. Hartschuh emphasizes the importance of decreasing variability in practice for better animal health. Below are five areas where variability shows up most often and where veterinarians can have a meaningful impact by helping producers identify and reduce it.

1. Milk Replacer Mixing

Milk replacer programs often look correct on paper but fall apart in execution. Studies show wide swings in total solids and feeding temperature when caretakers are given identical instructions.

“Forty-one batches of milk replacer were mixed,” says Hartschuh, describing a recent project. “The same directions were given on how to mix that milk replacer, but the solids content of [the resulting batches] ranged from 6% to 14.5%. The temperature ranged from 80°F to 115°F.”

Of these batches, less than half of them reached the ideal solid content of 10% to 15%, two hit the precise goal of 13%, and two hit the final temperature goal of 110°F to 115°F.

Day-to-day variation in concentration or delivery temperature forces repeated digestive adjustment, which can manifest as loose manure, reduced intake or inconsistent growth. Over time, this physiological stress can weaken immune responses and complicate disease diagnosis.

What vets can ask:

Are milk replacer amounts weighed or scooped?
How often are solids checked?
What temperature does milk reach the calf, not just the mixing bucket?

2. Water Quality and Delivery

Water is often treated as background input, yet its composition can vary widely. Elevated sodium from softened water, high total dissolved solids, sulfates or microbial contamination can all influence intake, digestion and health, even in well-managed milk programs.

Research has shown differences in calf performance, fever incidence and diarrhea days tied solely to water source and water access. Hartschuh described work where they varied how water was offered to calves.

“At five months of age, the calf that we provided water to every feeding from birth versus waiting until the calf was 17 days old gained about 28 more pounds,” Hartschuh says.

They found this was linked to rumen development being positively correlated with water intake, therefore these calves had increased digestion and absorption leading to growth.

What vets can recommend:

Routine water testing, including sodium and bacteria
Rechecking water quality seasonally
Offering water to calves from birth

3. Feeding Equipment Hygiene

Many sanitation programs fail because they are incomplete. Rinsing equipment with water that is too hot can bake fat into plastic surfaces, encouraging biofilm formation. Inadequate drying or cracked nipples further compounds the issue, allowing bacteria to persist between feedings.

“It comes down to talking more about the sanitation of equipment to make sure that we’re not transferring disease from one calf to the next or that there’s nothing growing in that biofilm that milk can develop,” Hartschuh says.

What vets should look for:

Initial rinse water temperature
Whether equipment is fully dry before reuse
Nipple condition and replacement frequency

4. Feeding Timing and Delivery Technique

Calves adapt to routine. Variations in feeding time, volume or delivery method disrupt that adaptation.

“We have that milk mixed up consistently, now we have to feed it every day consistently at the same time,” Hartschuh advises.

Even bottle height matters: poor positioning can interfere with esophageal groove closure, altering milk flow and digestion. Hartschuh recommends holding the bottle at 24" to 27" high so that the calf isn’t gulping air and the milk flows down nicely, bypassing the rumen to the abomasum.

What vets can ask:

Are feeding times consistent from day to day?
Is delivery technique the same across caretakers?
Is water offered in a way that encourages intake?

5. Temperature and Ventilation

“Trying to figure out how to ventilate those barns as we go from potentially 60°F tomorrow down to 16°F in a few days, with those temperature swings, how do we keep calves comfortable and healthy?” Hartschuh asks.

Repeated environmental adjustments driven by weather changes can increase physiological stress. This is especially important to consider with big temperature swings. Attempts to protect calves by closing barns often trade cold stress for poor air quality, increasing respiratory risk instead. Hartschuh advises that consistency in ventilation is often more protective than short-term temperature control.

What vets can emphasize:

Air quality at the calf level
Adjusting jackets and bedding proactively during weather shifts
Using calf behaviors (posture, rest patterns) as indicators for needed changes

Diagnosing Systems, Not Just Calves

When calves cycle through low-grade illness, repeated treatments or uneven growth, inconsistency is often the underlying driver. Stepping back to evaluate systems, rather than symptoms might help identify patterns that need adjusting. Improving consistency doesn’t require new products or protocols but rather a tightening of execution. This could pay dividends across health, performance and labor efficiency.

Waste Milk Feeding Alters Calf Immune Development

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:05:31 GMT

For many dairies, feeding waste milk — milk that can’t be sold because of antibiotic residues, high somatic cell counts or other quality issues — is an appealing way to save on calf-rearing costs. It’s calorie-rich, familiar to calves and readily available. However, waste milk is one of the least standardized inputs in calf nutrition as it varies in microbial load, drug residues and inflammatory components. While the short-term economics are easy to calculate, the potential biological impact is less clear.

Most evaluations of waste milk stop at visible outcomes like growth rates or scours. What’s harder to see is how early antigen exposure shapes immune development below the surface. New research from the University of São Paulo shows the immune system of a growing Holstein calf responds differently depending on whether it’s fed salable milk (SM), pasteurized waste milk (PWM) or raw waste milk (WM).

In the study, 30 calves were raised on one of these three liquid diets for the first nine weeks of life and regularly sampled for immune markers and cellular responses. Although overall health scores (temperature, diarrhea prevalence, respiratory signs) didn’t differ among groups, the internal immune story was much more revealing.

Immune Cell Counts and Cytokines Shift With Waste Milk Feeding

Calves fed PWM and WM showed consistent differences in systemic immune markers:

Serum total protein and Brix values were higher in WM calves.
Total protein and Brix are composite biomarkers influenced by both innate inflammatory response and adaptive humoral immunity. This observed increase likely represents innate immune responses associated with increased microbial and antigen exposure.

Plasma IgG concentrations did not differ by diet.
Levels followed the expected passive transfer pattern in all groups, with a decline at 21 days as maternal antibodies waned.

PWM and WM calves exhibited increased circulating immune cell numbers.
Lymphocyte and total mononuclear cell counts were higher compared to SM calves, but these did not translate into greater immune function. Immune cell proliferation in response to bacterial challenge was not impacted by liquid diet.

Cytokine profiles differed by diet.
SM and PWM calves produced more IL-10, a regulatory cytokine, while WM calves showed higher IL-17, consistent with a more pro-inflammatory profile.

What These Findings Mean for Calf Health Decisions

Together, these findings suggest waste milk feeding alters immune development in subtle but meaningful ways, even when calves appear outwardly healthy.

Several implications stand out:

Waste milk is not immunologically neutral.
It exposes calves to greater antigenic stimulation, increasing immune cell numbers and inflammatory signaling without improving functional responsiveness.

Higher TP and Brix values should be interpreted cautiously.
In WM calves, these markers likely reflect inflammatory proteins rather than improved humoral immunity.

Pasteurization reduces, but does not eliminate, immune effects.
PWM calves consistently showed intermediate immune profiles between SM and WM, supporting pasteurization as a risk-mitigation step rather than a complete solution.

Early immune skewing might matter most under stress.
An immune system biased toward activation rather than regulation could respond differently during weaning, transport, pathogen exposure or vaccination.

Diet quality is part of immune programming.
Liquid diet decisions influence not just growth and scours but how the calf immune system is shaped during a critical developmental window.

While this study did not directly assess long-term health or vaccine outcomes, it reinforces an important message for calf programs: What calves drink early in life can influence how their immune systems are wired.

A Good Coat for a Better Start

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:46:40 GMT

When temperatures drop, a good calf jacket can make a big difference for young calves. Cold weather forces calves to burn extra energy just to stay warm, and a jacket helps them hang on to that energy so they can keep growing strong.

“A cold calf will need to use energy to try to maintain its body temperature; energy that would normally be devoted to growth and maintaining a healthy immune system,” says Cassie Yost, dairy Extension educator at Pennsylvania State University.

But not all jackets are created equal. Even the best one will fall short if it is not managed well. Here is what to look for in a solid calf jacket and how to get the most out of it once winter sets in.

Choose a Jacket Built for Warmth and Durability

A good calf jacket should balance warmth, fit and durability. Calf specialists recommend choosing a jacket with an outer waterproof or water-resistant shell to protect against wind and moisture. Inside, insulated liners should help trap heat without being too bulky, allowing calves to stay warm without restricting movement.

“A clean, dry hair coat provides greater insulation from cold than a wet, matted coat, and calf jackets can be used to further insulate young calves,” Yost adds.

Fit matters too. Jackets should sit close to the body without gaps, allow full range of motion and adjust easily as calves grow. Coats with multiple strap points help maintain a snug fit without rubbing.

But once a jacket is on, it needs regular checks to make sure it still fits and keeps the calf comfortable.

“Leg straps can quickly become too tight and dig into the back legs of calves, easily causing open sores,” Yost says. “Remember that putting a jacket on a newborn calf is not a once-and-done action. It requires monitoring as the calf grows and as the weather conditions change.”

Keep Them Clean and Dry

Cleanliness is just as important as insulation. Jackets that trap moisture or bacteria can do more harm than good.

“Remember to wash jackets in between uses to remove any built-up mud or manure to ensure a clean, dry jacket is available for the next newborn calf,” Yost says.

Jackets must also be fully dry before reuse. Wet coats lose insulation and can chill calves even faster than leaving them bare. Farms should keep enough extras washed and ready so calves never go back into a damp coat.

Start Jacket Use at the Right Time

Knowing when to begin using jackets matters. Severe cold puts young calves under 3 weeks of age at the greatest risk.

“Calf jackets are most useful for calves under 3 weeks of age and especially for any calves that are sick and struggling with illnesses,” Yost says.

Many farms rely on benchmarks such as the 90-degree rule, where the daytime high plus nighttime low equals 90°F or less, to decide when jackets should go on. Others watch for several nights below 40°F. Once jackets are in use, they typically stay on through the winter and into early spring.

Warm spells require extra attention.

“If the calf is sweating during the day, that damp calf will get chilled once the temperatures begin to fall at night,” Yost explains. “Sweating followed by chilling will negate the purpose of the jacket.”

Knowing when to take jackets off is just as important as knowing when to put them on.

“As calves grow, calf jackets can be removed once that calf is growing well and consuming grain. Removing jackets at a reasonable time while the calf is still on milk will help them adapt to their environments now that the added protection of the jacket is removed,” she adds.

Other Details Matter

Even the best jacket can’t make up for poor bedding. Calves need a deep, clean and dry bed to nest into. Jackets are a helpful layer, but they work best when the calf’s environment is warm, dry and well-bedded.

Fresh straw, shavings or other bedding materials should be replenished regularly so calves can nest, curl up and stay insulated from cold floors. Bedding also helps wick away moisture, which reduces the risk of chilling and illness. When the ground is frozen or damp, adding extra bedding becomes even more critical.

Jackets Help Calves Use Energy Wisely

Cold calves burn extra energy just to stay warm, which takes away from growth, immunity and overall health. A well-chosen jacket helps them hold onto that energy so it goes toward what really matters.

When paired with good management and proper bedding, a clean, dry, well-fitting jacket can help young calves handle the cold months with less stress.

Rethink the First Feeding: Calf Health Begins with Smarter Colostrum Strategies

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:16:06 GMT

For decades, dairy producers have fed newborn calves based on standard protocols for first-milking colostrum, but as Dr. Donald Sockett and Dr. Ryan Breuer from the University of Wisconsin noted on a recent Raising Your Best Dairy Heifer webinar, the underlying assumptions might be due for revision.

“The current colostrum feeding guidelines that are considered best practices today were developed a little more than two decades ago,” Breuer says. “So we’ve had some time to observe what’s going on with it and whether we need to make some changes or not.”

Sockett explains that the conventional gold standard of 50 grams of immunoglobulin G (IgG) per liter, which the guidelines are based on, was reasonable back then, but times have changed.

“The average here is 75 g to 95 g per liter,” he says. “Why would we build a program around fair [quality] colostrum?”

Because calves are receiving colostrum of higher quality than what the older guidelines are built around, feeding volumes and methods might need adjustment.

In a recent case report , Sockett and Breuer described a Holstein heifer that received what is considered best practice for colostrum delivery based on 10% body weight: 4 liters of first-milking colostrum 30 minutes after birth and an additional 2 liters six hours after the first feeding. Shortly after the second feeding, the calf developed colic and was in apparent pain. This animal was humanely euthanized less than 24 hours later after a lack of response to on-farm medical care.

According to the attending veterinarian, this was not a one-off case.

“This wasn’t the only calf at this dairy,” Breuer says. “The veterinarian had also seen similar situations at other dairies where these calves, after the recommended colostrum feeding, had distress or colic.”

Upon necropsy, they noticed incidents of aspiration in the lungs. It was concluded aspiration pneumonia killed the calf after some colostrum was regurgitated due to a distended abomasum from colostrum volume.

This report emphasizes the need to reevaluate colostrum feeding standards.

In September, Frederick and colleagues from Cornell University published a study looking into the effects of feeding colostrum at 6%, 8%, 10% or 12% of a calf’s body weight on IgG absorption, gastric emptying and postfeeding behavior.

Gastric emptying is an important factor as no colostrum absorption occurs in the abomasum. Passage to the small intestine in a timely manner before absorption efficiency goes down is key. Calves fed at 10% and 15% of their body weight had significantly lower apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG rates and showed significantly more behavioral signs of discomfort (abdomen kicks) than those fed 6% and 8%.

“So yes, you’re feeding a bigger mass of immunoglobulin when you feed these larger body weight [percentages], but if your efficiency of absorption is going down and you have these health complications, is that really the best thing for the calf?” Sockett says.

A study of 818 calves across 61 Holstein dairy farms by Morin and colleagues at the University of Montreal looked into how colostrum management practices impacted transfer of passive immunity (TPI). They found that the No. 1 factor affecting apparent IgG absorption was the concentration of IgG in the colostrum, or colostrum quality. Calves fed colostrum with a Brix value over 24.5% were almost three times more likely to have received adequate TPI. Additionally, calves fed equal to or greater than 2.5 liters of colostrum at their first meal (notably less than 10% of the calves body weight) within three hours of birth had the highest odds of receiving adequate TPI.

This adds weight to Sockett’s assertion.

“Think about our recommendation standards,” he says. “We haven’t even been talking about the two most important variables of effective efficiency of colostrum absorption. We have to start thinking about the quality of the colostrum and the mass of colostrum being delivered.”

If you’re creating a colostrum feeding program for a dairy operation, Sockett and Breuer recommend collecting a database of information of what’s going on in the herd. Answer the following questions to tailor the program to your farm:

What is the average birth weight of the calves? What are the lightest and heaviest animals?
Are you feeding pooled or individual colostrum?
What is the normal weight of the colostrum?
What is the mean and standard deviation of the Brix scores?
What is the timing of first colostrum delivery?
What are your TPI goals?

The idea is not to abandon colostrum best practices but to update them strategically. By refining colostrum feeding protocols, verifying colostrum quality, aligning volume with body weight and monitoring outcomes, dairy operations can create their own evidence-based practice. The result? Healthier calves, fewer complications and better use of that liquid gold.

Salmonella Dublin Remains a Stubborn Dairy Health Challenge

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:28:30 GMT

No one wants their calves to be infected with Salmonella, but the serotype Dublin is an especially ominous threat, and it’s not going away.

According to Angel Abuela, veterinarian and instructor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Salmonella Dublin has become substantially more prevalent in dairy and calf-rearing facilities in the U.S. and Canada since 2012.

At the 2025 Recent Graduate Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Abuela briefed young veterinarians on the characteristics and challenges presented by S. Dublin.

While Salmonella is most often associated with scours in calves, he notes S. Dublin usually causes pneumonia, respiratory distress and fevers instead. Calves appear listless, anorexic, dehydrated and can also suffer from septicemia and arthritis. Bloody scours are possible but not very common.

Acute infections of S. Dublin typically strike calves at 2 to 12 weeks of age, and sudden death within one to two days after onset of illness can occur due to endotoxic shock. Data from S. Dublin outbreaks shows up to about one-third of infected calves became clinically sick, and about a quarter of calves with confirmed S. Dublin diagnosis died.

For those that survive, lingering effects can include poor growth rate, ill thrift, lameness due to arthritis, and loose stools. It is less common in adult animals, but when infected, those older cattle can experience a sudden drop in milk production, slight fever, mild diarrhea and abortion. Persistent infection with intermittent fecal shedding during times of stress is also possible in adult cows.

In addition to its critical impacts on cattle health, two distinct characteristics of S. Dublin make it a high-level concern: its multi-drug resistance properties and its potential effects on human health.

“In the U.S., S. Dublin has become one of cattle’s most important multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria,” Abuela notes. “The MDR has complicated the treatment of clinically sick animals and has become a threat to human medicine.”

S. Dublin is resistant to many common antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections in animals and humans. Currently, there are no approved antibiotics for veterinary use to treat S. Dublin. Abuela notes the only therapeutic tools are supportive care, including fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, along with anti-inflammatory therapy.

As a zoonotic disease, it is possible for S. Dublin infections to spread from ill animals to humans, causing severe digestive illness and bacterial infections of the bloodstream. While uncommon, S. Dublin infections in humans are most likely to occur in the individuals caring for sick animals, including farm personnel and veterinarians who might accidentally ingest infected animal feces or fluids.

Abuela recommends the following on-farm offense strategies to help minimize the transmission of S. Dublin infections in cattle:

Providing clean, dry calving pens and avoiding large group-calving areas.
Removing calves from contact with their dams’ feces as soon as possible after birth.
Placing calves in a clean environment, where they have no contact with other calves or adult cattle.
Maintaining strict control of colostrum management.
Feeding pasteurized, rather than raw, milk to calves.
Identifying and isolating newly sick cattle immediately and ensuring that farm personnel handle sick cattle separately.
Sanitizing and disinfecting all equipment used between animals.
Ensuring personnel wash hands, boots and any common equipment used between groups of animals.

A herd veterinarian should investigate suspected cases of S. Dublin for a full diagnostic work-up, treatment and prevention plan.

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Can We Feed Dams for Better Performing Calves?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:45:57 GMT

In the delicate dance that is dairy nutrition, it’s not all about just getting more milk.

How and what we feed pregnant cows also matters for the development of the calf she is carrying. Researchers have just begun to scratch the surface of the influence of dairy dam nutrition on the lifetime productivity of their calves, according to Billy Brown, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.

In a presentation at the 2024 Cornell Nutrition Conference, Brown explored recent knowledge that can help dairy cows not just deliver healthy calves, but calves that perform better throughout their lifetimes, whether their career destination is the feedlot or the milking parlor.

Creating those successful calves is dependent on events through a number of biological touchpoints throughout their embryonic and fetal development, many of which are not completely understood. Brown says factors such as placental mass, blood flow and nutrient transport to the fetus can be critical.

Other effects may happen at the cellular level. Brown says “epigenetics” refers to DNA alterations that influence genomic material that ultimately activate cellular functions. By pulling the nutritional levers in dams that activate these changes, traits like growth, marbling and mammary gland productivity in their calves might be influenced for the better.

This type of research has been conducted for decades in the beef industry. A number of studies have shown cows that were supplemented with either energy or protein while pregnant produced calves with greater body weight from birth through slaughter, and heifers from supplemented dams reached puberty earlier.

Less-extensive beef research has also shown calves from supplemented dams showed statistical improvements in marbling, quality grades and ribeye area – an interesting finding considering the ever-growing proportion of calves from dairy dams that now are channeled into beef production.

But to date, dairy cattle research has not pursued this topic as extensively.

“There has been a flurry of recent and convincing research evaluating the negative impact of gestational heat stress on calf performance,” Brown says. “But comparatively fewer investigations have focused on effects of dam nutritional interventions.”

From the dam nutrition research that has been conducted in the dairy arena, one thing we have learned is simply feeding dams more is not a simple solution at all. While research has shown dairy calf birth weight increases about 4.5 lb. with each half-point increase in body condition (5-point scale), over-fat cows and first-calf heifers can experience calving difficulties and metabolic challenges in lactation.

“Data from other species indicate dams with excessive energy intake during gestation have deleterious effects for the neonate’s long-term ability to regulate feed intake and body composition,” Brown says. Those long-term effects, including over conditioning, higher metabolic disease incidence and reduced milk yield, have been shown to surface even more in the second generation from overfed dams.

Researchers have also learned high milk production does not guarantee dams will pass that genetic potential to their offspring. In fact, those calves might be hindered by their mothers’ milk production, as several studies have shown.

“Intuitively, the dams with greater milk production might have greater genetic merit for milk production, which could be passed along to their offspring,” Brown hypothesizes. “However, if epigenetic changes are occurring from reduced nutrient supply to the fetus while competing with the mammary gland, then this could limit the progeny milk supply potential.”

So, while hitting the sweet spot between too little and too much energy and protein is one challenge, Brown believes more knowledge could be drawn from the finer details of dairy rations.

Feeding rumen-protected choline to dairy dams has been shown to improve offspring performance in terms of birthweight; preweaning weight gain; feed efficiency; marbling; kidney, pelvic and heart fat; and insulin sensitivity. Rumen-protected methionine and lysine have been shown to positively affect offspring growth and weight gain, as have omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Brown believes these, and other supplements, could help fine-tune lactating dairy rations to deliver the best possible nutrition package for both the lactating cow and her developing calf.

He says more research is needed, noting: “As this body of research grows, the future of the dairy industry may involve more deliberately setting up calves for success through the use of dam nutritional management during gestation.”

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New World Screwworms Could Prey on Calves and Other Species

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:48:46 GMT

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when some Texas cattle hands riding the range had just one job: detecting and treating “wormies.”

The wormies were calves infected with New World screwworm (NWS) , according to San Angelo, Texas, veterinarian and rancher Dr. Chris Womack. He said calves are the perfect prey for NWS, because, unlike most other myiasis parasites that feed on dead and necrotic tissue, NWS feed on living tissue.

On a recent episode of the Have You Herd? podcast from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Womack noted one of the ideal feeding sites for the burrowing NWS myiasis (maggots): the fresh navel of a newborn calf, along with any other open wounds like disbudding sites. But cattle and calves certainly are not the only hosts of NWS. Infestations can occur in all mammals, including humans.

That fact leaves Womack concerned about the possible spread of the pest. If it does cross the U.S. border, he believes the “sentinel animal” in which it is first detected will be either a companion animal or a wildlife species.

The current rate of spread also alarms him. NWS was basically eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, thanks to collaborative biological efforts that resulted from public-private partnerships between donors and the U.S. and Mexican governments. “At the time more than $2 million in private funds were raised,” he Womack shared. “It was that big of deal to producers that they were willing to put their own dollars up to fight it.”

As an example, the state of Texas lost an estimated 180,000 head of cattle to NWS in 1935 alone, according to T.R. Lansford III, DVM, deputy executive director and assistant state veterinarian with the Texas Animal Health Commission.

“Through medicine or miracle, they figured out they could irradiate the male fly and make him sterile,” Womack recalled. Because NWS females mate only once in their lifetimes, mating with a sterile male results in sterile larvae, breaking the fly’s production cycle.

“They bred and raised hundreds of millions of sterile male screwworm flies and blanketed the southern U.S. border with them,” said Womack. After they had pushed them out of the United States, those same efforts continued in Mexico for 25-30 years, until the parasite had been driven all the way across the Panama Canal and south of the Darien Gap.

But that progress shifted in the second half of 2024. Womack said a rancher in Panama told him NWS had been detected in Panama in early August 2024. “From that time until Thanksgiving, it migrated clear across Central America and into Chiapas, Mexico,” noted Womack. “That’s really terrifying.”

In addition to closing – then re-opening and closing again – the U.S./Mexican border to imports of cattle, bison, and horses, USDA also is ramping up eradication efforts in Mexico and Central America. State departments of agriculture in the border states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona also are involved. But in the meantime, the deadly parasite has continued its march north through Mexico, and has been detected within 370 miles of the U.S./Mexico border.

Womack also is concerned that range cattle and wildlife are not as closely observed as they used to be. And while there may be fewer cattle on open pastures in Texas compared to 60 years ago, Texas is now home to tens of thousands of dairy calves at calf ranches, many of whom travel to various outposts around the country as they mature.

USDA resources indicate that NWS flies are slightly larger than the common housefly. They have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along their backs. Symptoms of effected animals include irritated behavior, head shaking, the smell of decay, and the presence of maggots in open wounds.
Producers who suspect their animals may be infected with NWS should contact their veterinarians and are encouraged to submit maggot samples to a diagnostic lab.

Womack lamented that because the problem was so well-controlled for so long, there is a generational gap in knowledge about NWS. “Because it was so fantastically eradicated, it was a non-issue for decades. But now it’s an issue again. We need to be aware of and vigilant about this problem,” he stated.

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Enhancing Biosecurity on Calf Ranches: Balancing Animal and Human Health

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:09:46 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity on calf ranches there are two main components: preventing disease spread among animals and safeguarding human health. While often the focus is on animal health, it’s crucial to remember the significant role humans play in disease transmission and prevention. Kirk Ramsey, veterinarian for Neogen, underscores the importance of biosecurity on calf ranches needing to involve those two main components and notes that implementing a comprehensive biosecurity strategy can help achieve a balanced approach.

In Deerfield, Kan., Kansas Dairy Development provides temporary housing for more than 96,000 head of cattle, from a few days old to springers nearly ready to calve, and according to Jason Shamburg, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, great animal care and husbandry go hand in hand with biosecurity.

“Clean cattle trailers, very clean facilities, clean calf hutches, clean bedding, clean milk, clean coveralls for our team and practices such as individual needle changes for treatments and needless applications for vaccines as well as a robust BVD screening and surveillance program are just some of the aspects that we believe develop a great calf but also creates the overall benefits of bio security,” he says.

Ramsey concurs but also notes sometimes a two-part viewpoint is overlooked at calf ranches because so much focus is put toward the calves when they are first onboarding into a new facility.

“Often they come from multiple states and go straight into calf hutches or individual pens,” he says. “In a way, this is kind of like a biosecurity practice to create a little bit of separation based on where those calves are coming from.”

Calf Health Management
Ramsey provides some tips on overall biosecurity tips for both calves and employees for calf ranches.

Onboarding
When calves arrive at ranches from various locations, biosecurity practices such as keeping calves separated in their hutches can create a needed barrier against disease. Maintaining organization based on the origin of the calves helps monitor and control potential disease spread.

“Also making sure those calves have had that first feeding is a massive part of their movement forward. Getting them comfortable and settled is a big first step.”

Sanitation Practices
Before new groups of calves are introduced, sanitation of the hutches is essential. Best practices involve pressure washing and using a combination of soap and disinfectants to clean the hutches. Air drying under the sun can further sanitize the environment. Moving hutches to new bedding areas allows the old ground to naturally sanitize and prepare for future use.

“A best recommendation practice is always moving hutches as you go down the line, so the calves are actually never on a bed pack where they were prior.”

Pest Control
Seasonal challenges, such as fly infestations in the summer, require strategic pest control measures. Ensuring dry bedding and routine sanitation practices can significantly reduce pest-associated risks. Careful maintenance of feeding areas, including bucket cleaning, can help control pest populations.

“Anything that we can do to try to maintain a drier environment in that calf hutch, the better to try to inhibit as much fly growth,” he says, noting the areas around where those flies are growing should be the target. “So that’s in front of those calf hutches, where that milk is getting spilled, where a lot of that fly growth is occurring.”

Record Keeping and Communication
Accurate record-keeping of calf health, vaccination schedules and treatments forms the foundation for effective biosecurity measures. Clear communication across all levels of staff ensures consistent implementation of biosecurity protocols, enhancing overall herd health.

“Having one person in charge of that line, or that group of lines, keeps that person responsible for those calves,” he says. “That person knows everything about those calves for that period of time, and then when they move to the next line, they are a communication relayer.”

Waste Management and Environmental Hygiene
Efficient waste management involves cleaning manure and bedding, allowing ample exposure to sunlight for natural ground sterilization. This ensures the environment is prepared for new calves, reducing the likelihood of disease resurgence.

“Allowing the sunlight to do its job, to break down the bacteria, is vital.”

Staff Training and Human Biosecurity
Another huge element to biosecurity is the people that interface with the cattle. It’s important to ask what are we doing to prevent each other from having the interface and bringing some of that stuff home to our families?

Providing coveralls and rubber boots can help reduce the risk of disease transmission to and from home environments. Encouraging routines like washing boots and hands is an easy yet impactful biosecurity measure.

Implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures on calf ranches fortifies the health of calves while protecting human health. Simple practices, such as maintaining cleanliness, systematic organization and thorough communication, can collectively elevate the biosecurity standard. Emphasizing these strategies ensures a healthier and more productive calf-raising environment.

As we aim for improved biosecurity measures, understanding both the challenges and solutions will pave the way for better practices on calf ranches, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both calves and humans.

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Highway to the Liver: Stopping Infections Starts with Calf Navel Care

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The umbilical cord of a newborn calf is a “highway directly to the liver,” according to Taylor Engle, DVM, MS, with Four Star Veterinary Service, LLC, Dayton, Ohio.

It’s a powerful metaphor to explain why new-life navel care is so critical for calves. “If an infection translocases to the liver through the umbilical cord, it can then be dispersed to the blood, organs, and joints, and the animal become septic,” Engle shared. “At that point, it’s very hard to reverse.”

Hayley Springer, DVM, PhD, Veterinary Medical Field Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, said proper navel care expands beyond the basic navel dip.

In a bulletin from Penn State Dairy Extension, Springer noted the umbilical cord – a vital structure before calves are born – is essentially useless, and even a liability, after birth.

Springer said umbilical cord dipping is just the first step in shutting down the potential infective pathway provided by the fresh navel. Her comprehensive advice for effective navel care includes:

Use the right dip – The navel dip of choice is 7% tincture of iodine, which serves to not only disinfect the navel, but also dries out and promotes healing of the umbilical cord. Because this product is sometimes difficult to acquire, subbing it with an iodine-based teat dip might seem like a logical decision. “But remember that teat dips are designed to keep teat skin soft and supple, while navel dips are designed to dry out the umbilical tissue,” she shared. “Those opposing goals make teat dips a poor choice for proper navel care.”
Dip with discretion – Dipping, versus spraying, provides better coverage of navel tissue. Springer advises using bathroom-sized disposable paper cups for dipping, versus a reusable dipper that can easily become contaminated and spread bacteria. She said dipping should be done as soon as the calf is breathing after delivery. “Get all of the calf’s umbilical tissue into the cup, hold it against the calf’s belly, and give it a good shake,” she advised.
Don’t forget about bedding – While dipping is important, so too is the environment into which newborn calves enter the world. Exposure to harmful bacterial pathogens can be minimized by making sure calves are born into a maternity area covered in clean, dry bedding – either wood shavings or straw, depending on the season.
Colostrum, colostrum, colostrum – Like nearly everything in a young calf’s life, Springer said navel care and the disease prevention it confers is dependent on the vital and timely delivery of high-quality colostrum to every calf.
Set up a navel-checking protocol – Excellent navel care and maternity-pen cleanliness should help promote navel health, but infections can still sometimes occur. Springer suggested checking the navel of every calf twice within the first 10-14 days of life. “By one week of age, the calf’s navel should be about the size of your thumb,” she noted. An infection might be present if the navel is larger than that; has a thick, white, foul-smelling discharge; or if the calf shows pain-induced behaviors like tucking up its belly or kicking when its navel is touched or gently squeezed.

Veterinarian-advised treatment should be started as soon as a navel infection is detected. Outcomes are much better when cases are detected and treated early. Prompt treatment is best to help avoid the respiratory disease, joint ill, and potential hernias that can occur

Engle recommends a similar navel-check protocol for calves relocated to custom-rearing facilities. “Every navel should be inspected on arrival, and infected ones treated immediately,” he stated. “And remember that infections can develop later, so a protocol should be in place to re-check navels several times during the first week after arrival.”

This video from Cornell Cooperative Extension provides an excellent overview of proper navel dipping that can be useful for worker training to support good navel care.

Smart Calf Rearing Conference Comes to the U.S.

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

The 4^th annual Smart Calf Rearing Conference will be held September 24-27, 2025, in Madison, Wis.

This will mark the first time the biannual global conference -- focused on both scientific and on-farm applications of raising calves -- will take place in the U.S. The event will be held on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, just prior to the 2025 World Dairy Expo, also held in Madison.

Following a welcome banquet and reception on Wednesday, September 24, Thursday and Friday’s agenda will feature noted speakers from around the world, addressing topics that include:

Is the microbiome our secret weapon to raise healthy calves antibiotic free?
Re-evaluating nutrition models to predict calf growth.
Beyond passive transfer: The role of colostrum in programming immune development in calves.
The impact of transportation on young dairy calves: New insights and a bumpy road forward.
Data-driven nutrition, disease, and welfare management of calves: Shaping the next generation... of cows.

The final day of the conference – Saturday, September 27 – will focus on producer perspectives and hands-on demonstrations of calf management. It promises to bring science to the farm, featuring talks from calf experts on colostrum management, group housing strategies, calf health, and how to succeed with automated feeding systems. Separate registration for just the producer day is available.
A scientific poster session also will demonstrate research focusing on calf health, nutrition, physiology, and welfare.

The first 3 days of the conference will take place at University of Wisconsin Memorial Union in Madison. The final day will be held at the university’s Arlington Agricultural Research Station near Arlington, Wis.

Along with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the conference is being hosted jointly by the University of Guelph, Förster-Technik, and Trouw Nutrition. Additional support is being provided by Dairy Tech, Inc.; Lallemand Animal Nutrition; Lely; SCC: and Vita Plus.

The Smart Calf Rearing Conference will bring together scientists, industry leaders, and calf raisers, all of whom are looking into the future or raising calves. Registration is being managed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A full agenda and housing information can be accessed here .

Prep for the Seasonal Colostrum Slump: Expert Tips to Keep Your Freezers Full

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:36:09 GMT

Right now, it might feel like colostrum is in no short supply. Cows are calving, freezers are full and you might think you’re sitting pretty when it comes to inventory for the remainder of the year. But as the days get shorter and temperatures begin to cool, many operations will start to experience a perplexing challenge when it comes to feeding calves – lower colostrum yields.

“Many farms experience a common issue that leaves farmers and calf managers scratching their heads: declines in colostrum production during the fall and winter months,” says Katelyn Goldsmith, dairy outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “This problem can make it difficult to quickly feed calves high-quality colostrum in adequate quantities.”

While this seasonal slump is common, it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right planning and management, you can stay ahead of the dip and maintain control over your colostrum supply.

Why Does it Happen?

While there’s no sure answer as to why colostrum production takes a dip during the fall and winter, research points to two key factors: shorter daylight hours and lower temperature-humidity index (THI).

As days shorten after June, cows receive less light, and cooler, drier conditions set in. Both have been linked to lower colostrum yield. Goldsmith notes that in one Texas study, average colostrum production fell from 14.5 lb. in June to just 5.5 lb. in December. Older cows were especially affected.

Similar seasonal declines have been observed in studies across New York, Michigan and Europe. While genetics, nutrition and lactation history play a significant role, the consistent pattern suggests that reduced light and lower THI are major drivers of the slump.

How to Prepare

To minimize the impact of seasonal dips, Goldsmith recommends focusing on what you can control. She provides the following strategies to help you get ahead of the slump:

Pay Attention to Dry Period Length: Ensuring cows have an adequate dry period length is crucial. Cows with short dry periods tend to produce lower yields of colostrum. Goldsmith notes a 45- to- 60-day dry period is considered ideal.
Minimize Environmental Stress: Dry cows should have consistent and adequate access to feed and water, especially during the summer months. Limited or restricted feed and water access can reduce dry matter intakes, negatively affecting colostrum production.
Encourage Colostrum Let Down: During milking, maintain a calm and low-stress environment. Ensure cows are properly prepped prior to attaching milking units and that they are completely milked out before unit removal.

“Colostrum quality decreases when harvest is delayed,” she adds. “For best quality, harvesting colostrum less than 8 hours post-calving is recommended.”
Consider Oxytocin for First-lactation Cows: Administering oxytocin has been shown to promote colostrum let down and increase yield in first-lactation cows. Recent research found first-lactation cows produced 3.5 lb. more colostrum when administered an appropriate dose of oxytocin compared to untreated cows. If considering this route, farmers should discuss with their veterinarian whether or not using oxytocin fits with their operation.
Assess Feed Additives: Recent studies have found feed additives such as choline or calcidiol in dry cow diets have improved colostrum yields. When evaluating feed additives, ensure they are research-backed products that have been assessed for their impact on colostrum production.

Managing Supply When Yields Are Low

Even with the best preparation, there may be times when colostrum is in short supply. That’s where smart inventory management comes in.

“A well-stocked colostrum bank can be a lifesaver during periods of low production,” Goldsmith says. “Use a tool such as a Brix refractometer to assess colostrum quality and store it accordingly.”

And when stored colostrum isn’t available, be ready with a replacer. Goldsmith recommends selecting a replacer — not supplement — that will provide newborn calves with 300 grams of immunoglobulin G (IgG).

“Since providing extra daylight is not possible for many farms, the potential adverse effects of the colostrum shortage must be addressed through well-planned banking of high-quality colostrum and the use of colostrum replacement strategies when necessary,” Goldsmith says.

And as always, be sure to follow proper storage practices.

“Colostrum should be refrigerated for no more than one day or frozen for up to a year to maintain quality,” she says. “Properly label colostrum and store it in a clean environment to prevent contamination.”

Stay Ahead of the Slump

Seasonal drops in colostrum can be frustrating but it helps to know why they happen and how to prepare. Shorter days and cooler temps can lower yields in fall and winter, but good management can make a difference. Focus on a proper dry period, build a strong colostrum bank and keep quality replacers ready to protect calves when inventories get low. With planning, you can keep freezers stocked with high-quality colostrum to ensure calves stay well nourished.

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Don't Settle for Mediocre: How to Make Moderate Quality Colostrum Work

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:08:18 GMT

As all calf feeders know, not all colostrum is created equal. Some fresh colostrum is rich in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and ideal for newborn calves. Some is poor in quality and unsuitable for feeding. And then there’s the “Goldilocks” kind that falls somewhere in the middle. It’s not too bad but not quite good enough either.

This in-between category often leaves producers in a bind. Do you feed it as-is and risk inadequate passive transfer? Do you discard it and rely on frozen reserves or replacer? Or is there a better way to make moderate-quality colostrum just right?

A recent study, conducted by the University of Minnesota and published in the Journal of Dairy Science, explored a practical solution: enriching moderate-quality maternal colostrum with commercial colostrum replacer (CR) powder. Specifically, researchers asked whether the powder could be added directly to the colostrum without being reconstituted in water first and still deliver strong immunity to calves, without negative effects on health or digestion. Their findings suggest a straightforward way to make colostrum feedings more consistent when top-quality colostrum isn’t on hand.

A Practical and Safe Option
The researchers found that adding dry CR powder straight into moderate-quality maternal colostrum is an effective way to enhance its immune benefits. Calves fed the enriched colostrum reached blood IgG levels that were statistically similar to those fed naturally high-quality colostrum. And importantly, these calves did not experience digestive upset, poor appetite or abnormal behavior.

The researchers compared this method to one where the CR was first mixed with water and then added to the colostrum. While both methods improved IgG levels over unenriched colostrum, the direct-mix approach performed slightly better. In addition, it avoided the added liquid volume, which can make feeding more difficult, especially when tubing calves.

One concern with enriching colostrum is how the added ingredients might change the colostrum’s physical properties, particularly its concentration. Osmolality, or the concentration of dissolved particles in colostrum, can affect how easily a calf digests its first feeding. In this study, however, adding dry colostrum replacer powder directly into maternal colostrum did not appear to cause any digestive issues or affect calf performance.

Not All Powders Are Created Equal
While the results are encouraging, the researchers say it is important to note this study evaluated only one commercial colostrum replacer product. Replacers can vary widely in their ingredients, solubility and osmolality. Thus, a method that proves effective with one product might not produce the same results with another. For that reason, any adjustments to colostrum feeding protocols should be made in consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist.

Still, this method offers flexibility. On days when your colostrum supply is good but not great, enrichment with dry powder might be a simple and cost-effective way to ensure every calf gets the strong start it needs.

Use Frozen Colostrum Within 8 Months for Best Results

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:36:59 GMT

Keeping frozen colostrum on hand is a practical part of calf care. It helps ensure newborns get what they need when fresh supply is limited or timing isn’t ideal. But as that freezer fills up, it’s worth asking: How long can colostrum sit before its quality starts to decline?

“Saving excess colostrum is a great way to make sure calves get what they need, even when fresh supply is tight,” says Sarah Morrison, research scientist at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. “But it’s not just about having it on hand, it’s about protecting its quality. And that starts with how we freeze, store, label and thaw it.”

Historically, it was commonly accepted and promoted that colostrum could be stored in a non-frost-free freezer for up to a year. But new research from Cornell University (JDS Communications, 2025, Vol. 6:406–410) has taken a closer look at frozen colostrum over time. Researchers evaluated samples stored at -20°C (-4°F) for up to one year and analyzed key indicators including Brix %, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), insulin and total plate count.

They found that IgM, IgA and bacteria counts held steady, but IgG, insulin and Brix % decreased as freezer time increased. After 32 weeks, about eight months, IgG had declined by roughly 8% compared to fresh colostrum.

“That tells us that colostrum is still usable after eight months in the freezer, but it might not be your best option for a first feeding,” Morrison explains. “The first feeding is your one chance to really nail passive transfer, so you want that IgG level to be as strong as possible.”

Instead, colostrum older than eight months might be better suited for second feedings or backup scenarios while newer, high-IgG colostrum should be prioritized for a calf’s first meal.

Not All Freezers Are Equal
The freezer itself plays a key role in maintaining colostrum quality. Many farms rely on chest freezers, but Morrison warns against using frost-free models.

“Frost-free freezers go through cycles to prevent ice buildup, and those temperature changes also affect the colostrum,” she says. “If there’s any bacterial contamination, that fluctuation can give it a chance to grow. And the proteins we’re trying to preserve, especially IgG, can degrade when frozen and thawed repeatedly.”

Instead, use a non-frost-free freezer set at -20°C (-4°F). Label each colostrum container with the cow ID, date of collection and Brix % reading if available. While Brix will decline over time, it’s still a reliable quality indicator when taken at the time of collection.

“When considering the lower Brix %, I would encourage the use of this at the time of colostrum collection and not worry about measuring this after it’s been frozen,” she says.

Smart Thawing and One-Time Use
Thawing colostrum correctly is just as important as storing it. Labeling might seem like a small step, but it’s crucial for inventory management and quality control. Without it, producers might unknowingly feed colostrum that’s aged past its optimal window.

“On the label, include cow identification number and date of collection,” Morrison advises. “Furthermore, if your farm is measuring colostrum quality with a Brix, include the number on the label.”

Just as important as how colostrum is frozen is how it’s thawed. Mishandling during this phase can reduce the effectiveness of even the best-quality colostrum.

“When thawing, use a hot water bath of 40°C (104°F),” she says. “Warmer temperatures >60°C (140°F) should not be used as this can denature the proteins in the colostrum.”

And once it’s thawed, don’t plan to refreeze it.

While the Cornell study used high-quality colostrum, more research is needed to understand how lower-quality samples respond to long-term freezing. Even so, the key takeaway is to label clearly, manage by collection date, and protect frozen colostrum as a valuable part of your calf care program.

“Colostrum isn’t something we can afford to take chances with,” Morrison says. “It’s worth asking: Do you know how old the colostrum is in your freezer? Are you using the oldest first? Maybe it’s time to add a ‘Best By’ date on your bags.”

How to Reduce Calf Transportation Stress

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Now that summer has started, many of us will try to take a quick break and travel somewhere for vacation. We are still a couple of weeks away from leaving, but I am already feeling the stress that comes with travel. Growing up, my parents would start planning at least a month in advance. Do we have someone to do chores? Do they need to be retrained to milk and feed the cows? Does any fence need fixing? Just like we might feel some stress about traveling, our animals might feel the same. To help keep stress low, it’s best to be like my parents and start early.

Start at the Day of Birth

Both replacement heifers and bull calves are at record-high prices. Survey data indicate that 43% of replacement heifers are raised off the farm and leave at around 3 days of age. Eighty percent of non-replacement calves leave the farm before they are a week old. Whether calves are leaving to enter the beef industry or being transported to a contract heifer grower, getting the calves off to a good start is essential.

Calves cannot handle stress as well as older animals. The primary reason is their underdeveloped immune systems. Ensuring that calves receive an adequate amount of high-quality colostrum will help manage stress responses. Maternal antibodies from colostrum will be present in the immune system until the calf is around 21 days old. The calf’s immune system is not fully developed until approximately 60 days old. Therefore, not only is colostrum important, but other supportive therapies like adequate feed, water, and the use of vaccines are also crucial.

Stress and Disease

Transportation exposes calves to many new stressors early on. Commingling, temperature changes, and limited feed and water can increase disease risk. Research shows that diseases caused by transport stress can decrease average daily gain by 0.01 to 1.7 pounds. These losses result in lower carcass weights and reduced milk production in the first lactation.

Perform Pre-Transport Assessments

Transporting healthy calves will pay off in the long run. Well-prepared calves have had adequate colostrum, navels disinfected, and access to water and milk. If calves show signs of dehydration, illness, injury, or navel swelling, they should stay on the farm. Some research has shown that keeping calves on the farm until they are at least a week-old leads to higher average daily gains and fewer incidents of respiratory diseases.

Take The Edge Off: Meloxicam Eases Calf Pain After Dehorning

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:00:20 GMT

Managing calf pain has become a growing priority, not just for animal welfare, but for veterinarians, producers and consumers who are paying closer attention to the way animals are cared for. And while calves tend to bounce back quickly after dehorning, research continues to show the physiological effects of pain and inflammation linger longer than the visible signs suggest.

A study out of Kansas State University, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, took a closer look at how meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can help calves through the stress of dehorning. And more importantly, whether giving it before or after the procedure makes a difference.

In the trial, 30 Holstein bull calves were split into three groups - one got meloxicam 12 hours before dehorning, another got it immediately after and the third group received no pain relief at all. Over the course of a week, researchers tracked signs of pain and stress, including hormone levels, inflammation markers and how sensitive the calves were to touch around their horn buds.

Here’s what they found:

“The administration of meloxicam in the MEL-PRE and MEL-POST calves had a considerable impact on physiological indicators of pain and inflammation when compared to the CONT group,” the researchers note.

Put simply: the calves who got meloxicam — no matter when — handled the procedure better.

At just four hours post-dehorning, meloxicam-treated calves had significantly lower levels of cortisol — the stress hormone that spikes when animals are in pain. And five days later, they still had reduced levels of substance P, which is an indicator of discomfort.

However, not every measurement showed a difference. Eye temperature and haptoglobin (a marker of inflammation) were about the same across all groups. But when it came to prostaglandin E2 (PgE2), a chemical that fuels inflammation, the timing of treatment stood out. Calves who got meloxicam after dehorning had lower levels of PgE2 for up to three days compared to those treated beforehand or not at all.

This suggests that administering meloxicam after the procedure appears to extend its anti-inflammatory impact.

“The precise timing of meloxicam administration proved to be a factor, particularly influencing the duration of certain anti-inflammatory effects,” the researchers explained.

In the end, this study confirmed meloxicam can play an important role in easing pain and reducing inflammation in calves after dehorning. While both before- and after-treatment helped, the timing did seem to influence how long the drug’s effects lasted, especially when it came to certain inflammation markers. The difference in PgE2 levels suggests there’s still more to learn about how best to time pain management. But overall, the research supports meloxicam as a practical and effective tool to improve calf comfort during one of the most stressful early-life procedures.

Calf Health Ultimately Can Contribute to More Milk

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

A task performed correctly in a calf barn today could ultimately result in more milk produced on that dairy 2-3 years down the road, according to consulting veterinarian Scott Earnest, DVM.

Earnest is Director of Technical Services at ProAGtive Technologies, a dairy nutrition and management consulting group based in Sun Prairie, Wis.

He said while it’s a long way from Point A to Point B, foundational calf health is absolutely necessary to develop the kind of female replacements that are ready to perform and work hard for the dairy.

On a recent episode of The Dairy Podcast Show , Earnest also discussed the shifting strategies of dairy heifer development. Thanks to sexed semen, genomic selection, and other efforts to “right-size” heifer production, many dairies are dialing in on raising only the number of heifers they will need as replacements.

“The thing that’s really critical is that now you can’t take any of them for granted. Every single one of them has to turn out to be a quality replacement if you’re going to raise exactly what you need,” Earnest advised.

Of course, there always are at least a few cases of “slippage” between the time heifer calves are born and they start paying the bills as lactating cows. Earnest advises dairies to track those metrics in stages – stillbirths, deaths for birth to weaning, post-weaning death and removal prior to calving, and herd exits during first lactation.

On some dairies, that non-completion rate can be as high as 50% or more. But Earnest said the best-performing herds have a loss/removal rate prior to second calving of 30% or less.

He said when those animals exit the system, their value must be considered in the dairy’s total cost of raising replacements. “Rather than thinking of the best-case scenario of what a heifer costs you to raise when things go well, you’ve really got to bundle all of your expenses for your entire heifer program, and divide that by the number you successfully raised,” he advised. “The most expensive part of a heifer program is the ones you lose.”

Earnest said the only thing more expensive than losing them along the way is raising poor performers. Especially with the work that is now being done with lung ultrasound, he said we now know there can be problems with heifers at just 2-3 weeks old that don’t manifest until 5 months of age or older.

What’s more, an initial case of scours can send heifers on a death spiral – sometimesa slow one. “A lot of calves that get a low-grade case of pneumonia at a very early age are susceptible to that because they have been struggling with scours pathogens,” Earnest suggested.

He said successfully managing calf health comes down to a “big 3” of maternity pen management, colostrum delivery, and hygiene. The hygiene piece is highly dependent on choosing the right sanitizing and disinfecting products, then using them at the correct contact time, pH, and water temperature.

“All three of those factors are measurable and documentable,” said Earnest, noting that employees need methods to check and verify those details so protocols are truly implemented, not just written and filed away.

“I really like to challenge employees to sign their name or initials to what they do and document some of those key checkpoints,” he noted. “It can make the difference between people cutting corners and people taking pride in their work.”

He said progress flows upstream when protocols are implemented routinely – less scours means less pneumonia, which leads to fewer poor doers, then better average daily gains, larger first-breeding size and size at first calving, and ultimately, more first-lactation milk.

“To really win people over and get employees to take it seriously, you have to come up with measurables that you can show them,” Earnest advised. “’Look, we’re losing half as many calves out of the program as we used to’” or “’We’re seeing heifers weigh more by the same age at first calving.’”

Finally, he said it’s critical to communicate regularly and celebrate those successes with employees routinely. Rather than calling meetings only when things are going wrong, he counseled, “You need to honor the fact that things are going well, and that a lot of people did good work to help make it so.”

Your Next Read: Can Oxytocin Boost Colostrum?

Calves Prefer Their Pals, Even in the Heat

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT

The effects of heat stress on calves has been the topic of a good share of research in recent years. So, too, has been the study of social versus individual calf housing. Now, University of Wisconsin researchers have published a first-of-its kind study that examined the two factors together.

The research project, published in the Journal of Dairy Science , studied the behavior and physiological characteristics of pair-housed preweaned calves as they navigated competing motivations for social contact and thermal comfort.

A total of 50 Holstein heifer calves were housed in 25 pairs in adjoining hutches with a common outdoor run. In each pair of hutches, one was ventilated with 2 open windows at the rear base and the rear bedding door propped open. The other hutch had no ventilation.

Calves were exposed to and evaluated under 4 conditions for 1 daytime hour each – individually or in pairs confined to a ventilated or non-ventilated hutch. The experiment took place from later spring to fall.

The observations were conducted on 2 consecutive days during weeks 4, 6, and 9 of life. Immediately before and after the hutch confinement, respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded while calves were outside.

On the subsequent third day in the test weeks, the location of each calf was recorded in 15-minute intervals using time-lapse cameras. They were able to move freely among the two hutches and outdoor run without confinement.

Findings included:

Calves had no hutch preference in week 4 of life, but significantly preferred the ventilated hutch in week 6 and 9 of life.
The temperature-humidity index (THI) within the ventilated hutches remained constant throughout the study, regardless of the number of calves in them. The unventilated hutches saw a rise in THI when calves were confined inside, which became more pronounced with 2 calves versus 1, and as the calves aged, grew larger, and began ruminating.
Not only did ventilation mitigate THI increase, but it also produced a significant reduction in respiration rate of calves when they were confined inside. The greatest reduction in respiration rate was observed in paired calves in week 6. Respiration rate inside and outside the hutch remained relatively the same for the non-ventilated hutches for calves of all ages.
No significant effect on rectal temperature was observed under any of the conditions.
Regardless of location, calves in the unconfined portion of the study preferred being together about 80% of the time.

The preference for staying together was true even inside the unventilated hutches. The researchers cited previous research indicating that calves have a strong desire to access and maintain physical contact with another calf.

They speculated that, when considering social contact versus physical comfort, calves were willing to endure higher temperatures and potentially poorer air quality to be with their partner.Even though evidence in the study indicated the ventilated hutches were more comfortable, calves were willing to forego that comfort to stay with another calf.

Your Next Read: The Hidden Cost of Heat Stress on the Unborn Calf