Calves & Heifers

Six percent of Holstein bull calves in the U.S. never make it to the feedlot. That’s because their path is diverted to become veal.

Not all Holstein bull calves become steers. A tiny sliver (6%) contribute to a specialty meat sector that so quietly complements the dairy industry, some of us forget it’s there.

Establishing a healthy gut microbiome from the beginning of a calf’s life can have a lasting impact on her success. A properly developed gut can help improve lifetime feed efficiency and support overall calf health. You see, the gut is the first line of defense for a calf’s immune system, which can protect her from scours, pneumonia and other health challenges.

Pair housing (or small groups of up to four calves) for pre-weaned calves is increasing in popularity due to the myriad of benefits for calf welfare compared to individual housing. Converting to pair housing is also appealing as a steppingstone to group housing, because the management transition is simpler compared to management of a large group of calves.

This is not another article about how important fresh, clean water is for calves. Instead, this article focuses on why feeding water from day one is so vital. The "why" is rumen development and the long-term benefits for animal health and productivity.

“Doc, what kind of milk replacer should I feed, and how much?”

As a calf ranch consultant, this is the most common question I hear. The answer depends on several factors, such as who owns the calves, how do you get paid for raising the calves and what are the objectives in raising the calves.