June 2024
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Having the right tools for the job can improve any management scenario. When it comes to raising calves, 5 helpful tools were emphasized at the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Annual Conference. (Taylor Leach) |
The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Annual Conference is a once-a-year opportunity for calf and heifer raisers from across the country and around the world to network and share ideas.
The recent 2024 conference in Westminster, Colo., was no exception. Among the discussions in presentation rooms and hallways, mention of 5 key tools for better health and performance came to light. They included:
March 2023
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Acidification of milk or milk replacer is a common practice for some calf raisers, with some studies showing it improves weight gain and fecal scores in calves. (Adobe Stock) |
Feeding acidified milk to preweaned calves has been shown in some studies to improve calf health and performance.
But what about colostrum? Could acidification be beneficial to it as well? A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a preliminary study to find out.
February 2024
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The MST simulates pressure in the birth canal during the second stage of labor. (McKayla Mass) |
You’ve probably seen it more than once – a beautiful, perfectly formed and apparently healthy calf that just has no interest in engaging in life.
These weak or “dummy” calves are indifferent to stimulus, clumsy, lethargic and have weak or no suckle reflex. Frequently they are the result of a traumatic or Caesarian section birth. They are frustrating to raise, may require multiple tube feedings, and often don’t survive.
September 2023
Abstract:
Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic disease of ruminants endemic in the UK and other countries and responsible for large economic losses for the dairy sector. JD is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), which typically infects calves that remain latently infected during a long period, making early detection of infection challenging. Cow to calf transmission can occur in-utero, via milk/colostrum or faecal-orally. Understanding of the different transmission routes to calves is important in informing control recommendations. Our aim in this longitudinal study was to measure the association between the transmission routes via the dam and the environment on a calf subsequently testing serologically positive for MAP. The study population comprised of 439 UK dairy calves from 6 herds enrolled between 2012 and 2013. These calves were followed up from birth until 2023. At birth individual calf data was captured. During follow-up, individuals entering the milking herd were quarterly tested for the presence of MAP antibodies using milk ELISA. Cox regression models were used to measure the association between exposure from the dam (in-utero and/or colostrum) or from the environment (long time in dirty yard) and time to first detection of MAP infection. An association between calves born to positive dams and probability of having a MAP positive test result remained after excluding potential MAP transmission via colostrum (Hazard ratio: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.14 – 4.41). Calves unlikely to be infected with MAP via the in-utero or colostrum route, had 3.68 (95% CI: 3.68 1.45–9.33) higher hazard of a positive test result when they stayed longer in a dirty calving area. The effect of the dam infection status on transmission to calves precedes the dam's seroconversion and persists after excluding the potential role of transmission via colostrum. The association between time spent in a dirty calving area and probability of a MAP positive test result highlights the role of environmental contamination as a source of infection in addition to the dam.
E. Nunney, M. Crotta, K. Bond, S. van Winden, M. Green, J. Guitian
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587723001861?via%3Dihub
November 2023
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Breech calves, oversized calves and backward calves are just a few of the kinds of calves that often need a helping hand at birth. (Taylor Leach) |
The first sign of trouble Dr. Andrew Dann saw was the Holstein calf he was pulling was backward. The Attica, N.Y., dairy practitioner says in any dystocia scenario like that he anticipates needing to resuscitate the calf upon arrival.
“Breech calves, oversized calves, backward calves, I’m always thinking they’re probably going to need some help to get going,” he says.
Fortunately, the calf responded well to Dann’s intervention and lived. He estimates more than 50% of the calves he resuscitates do survive, with the overall success rate varying depending upon on the type of calving situation he encounters.
Dann and other bovine veterinarians recently shared some of the practices they routinely use when newborn calves need help at birth.
January 2024
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Cryptosporidia is one of the most common scours-causing pathogens in preweaned calves, and, unfortunately, it strikes in the early weeks of life when calves are most vulnerable. (Maureen Hanson) |
Cryptosporidia is one of the most common scours-causing pathogens in preweaned calves, surpassing coronavirus, salmonellae, and E. coli, according to Lea Poppe, Regional Technical Manager for German feed additive manufacture EW Nutrition.
March 2021
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Group housing with autofeeders can be a hugely successful system to raise preweaned calves. But if calves get off to a slow start, the transition into that rearing method also can be disastrous.
As calf raisers gain more experience with autofeeder systems, here are some acquired tips to help calves make a smooth adjustment from individual housing and feeding to group rearing:
July 2022
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Building a new autofeeder barn, or retrofitting an existing structure for autofeeders and/or group housing, is a tremendous investment. Calf raisers “in the trenches” offer their advice on how to do it right, and what they wish they had done differently. (Farm Journal) |
An interesting discussion popped up recently in the private Facebook community, “Calf Kings.” The opening question: “What is something you did in your autofeeder barn you can’t live without, or something you wish you had done?”
February 2023
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(Adobe Stock) |
Detecting the subtle signs of the onset of pneumonia in calves is the best way to assist them with effective treatment, and hopefully avert long-term lung damage, according to Tiago Tomazi, DVM, technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.
Read more … The Eyes Have It When Detecting Early Calf Respiratory Disease
November 2023
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The new technology allows for milk replacers to be formulated in a way that more closely resembles bovine milk, compared to milk replacers traditionally based on available dairy industry bioproducts. Photo: Canva |
A major discovery in the science of fatty acids has led to the development of a technology that meets calves’ nutritional requirements while nurturing ruminant health, supporting physiological development, and enhancing calf care on the farm. The discovery was unveiled during the 3rd LifeStart Symposium held from 17-18 October in Nottingham, England, and co-hosted by Trouw Nutrition, the livestock feed business of Nutreco, and the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Read more … LifeStart Calf Symposium unveils scientific discoveries
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