Articles Tagged with ''colostrum feeding''
While every operation is different, key tests and measurements can indicate a farm’s ability to raise calves well. These include passive transfer, feeding hygiene, housing cleanliness and comfort, and a calf’s growth rate and health markers.
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The hidden enemy: How oxidative stress impacts dairy calves and what you can do
Awareness of how common calf management practices can induce oxidative stress is the first step in managing for it.
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Calf scours prevention begins before birth
Twelve years ago, researchers estimated that a case of scours cost $56 per head, but that number is likely significantly lower than it should be. To minimize this, farms should focus on genetics, dry cow management, colostrum and transition milk.
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Counter the complexity of scours with a focused effort
While scours is a complex issue, a focused effort to provide calves with adequate antibodies, a clean environment and minimal exposure to older animals can greatly decrease a calf’s chances of falling victim to scours.
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Productive life starts with calves
Early life heavily impacts a calf’s future productivity. Focusing on good colostrum, proper nutrition and facility management is essential for building a profitable future.
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The battle of bottle teats
Udder quality is a trait most cattlemen focus on. It is known that “bad bags,” or poor-quality udders, will cause havoc during calving season. But are those less-than-perfect udders more than just an eyesore? Does a bad quarter or big teat cause performance issues with calves?
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Colostrum: The ‘superfood’ for calves
Colostrum is packed with antibodies and proteins and includes energy and vitamins necessary for the future health and productivity of the calf, but it must be ingested within 12 hours of birth to be effective.
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Invest in the perfect calf
Raising healthy calves may cost more pennies initially, but it pays back dollars in the long run as animals require fewer treatments, perform better, stay in the herd longer and promote better employee morale.
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Know why calves get sick and how to prevent it
Calves are exposed to multiple pathogens, but whether they get sick depends on how much pathogen a calf is exposed to and how their immune system responds.
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