The common industry practice of feeding first-day colostrum and then switching calves directly to whole milk or milk replacer may be under review.

As much as 2020 has shown us being flexible is just as valuable as having plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen and how they may impact us moving forward.

While Salmonella Dublin can be a problem in adult stock, it has increasingly become a health issue affecting the long-term, potential productivity of calves.

At a point in history when a novel virus dominates the news cycle and impacts our lives daily, another novel virus has emerged in the United States – this time, in the cattle population.

Abomasal bloat can come on so quickly that calves appearing perfectly healthy at one feeding are found dead at the next.

Calves need water year-around, including winter. Research evidence suggests 100°F should be the target temperature for calves’ water, matching their body and rumen temperature.