Calf Chat is for farmers to share their experience and expertise and for agricultural scientists and nutritionists to share their advice with calf rearers in the UK and Ireland.
On farm experience and expertise is key to advising dairy and beef farmers, research can ever only be a detective not a judge.
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The developing microbiome and calf health
The gut microbiome in calves is important for growth and health, and has a key role in nutrition, immune function, and gut barrier integrity.
Gastrointestinal disease is the top cause of mortality in neonatal calves
Calves are totally reliant on getting good quality and enough colostrum as soon as possible post birth.
Gastrointestinal infections more commonly known as scour/diarrhoea made up almost one third of postmortem diagnoses in neonatal calves.
Respiratory disease is the top cause of mortality in 1 to 5-month-old calves
Respiratory infections top the chart when it comes to postmortem diagnoses for calves aged one- to five months
Respiratory infections more commonly known as pneumonia, made up over one-third of postmortem diagnoses.
Careful collection of colostrum and transition milk is critical for calf health
Colostrum and transition milk (TM) should always be at the forefront of calf rearers' minds. We are very aware of the importance and value of first milking colostrum for transferring IgG into the calf’s blood.
“Every calf has a value” is now firmly entrenched in all aspects of calf management. Read more and watch the video on colostrum saving by clicking on the link below.
