The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) recently announced new calf-raising standards for Holstein calves from birth to 6 months old. Progressive Dairyman Editor Walt Cooley discussed the development and industry impact of the new standards with DCHA President Lewis Anderson.
Advertisement
breadcrumbs
Calves & Heifers
The future of your herd depends on quality colostrum, milk or replacer feeding and disease control along with proper bedding, sanitation and ventilation.
LATEST
Jennifer Ackerman is the calf manager at Norm E-Lane Farms in Chili, Wisconsin.
Because calves are born without circulating immunoglobulins (Ig), particularly IgG, in their blood, it’s essential that they consume colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Absorption of IgG depends on many factors – quality of colostrum, age at feeding, level of stress, bacterial contamination in the colostrum, weather, and many others.
Pulling on a sweatshirt or grabbing a jacket before you head out to the barn should be a reminder that winter is on its way. It should also be a reminder that as you make adjustments for the approaching cold weather, your calves will need preparation as well.
Two major concerns for every dairy farmer are feed and replacements. When looking at how to feed those replacements, it seems that the conventional system is the way to go.
How is post-weaning growth in your calves? One challenge in raising calves is a slump in growth after weaning. There can be several causes for this.
advertisement
Serving Dairies Nationwide
Progressive Dairy regularly delivers relevant industry news, cow health and dairy management info to you at no cost.
advertisement
Dairy Poll
advertisement
advertisement
Blogs
