manageruser, Author at Calf Chat

Development of the Calf Gastrointestinal Tract: Rumen Growth, Epithelial Maturation, and Microbial Colonisation

Explore how the calf gut transforms from monogastric to ruminant, and why early starter feed, VFAs and microbiome colonisation are key to rumen growth, health and performance.

Less Can Be More: Rethinking Colostrum Feeding for UK Calves

Colostrum remains the calf’s first line of defence. High immunoglobulin (IgG) levels are critical, but achieving and maintaining them depends on multiple factors, including dry cow nutrition, timing of collection, storage temperature, and hygiene.

Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a notifiable viral disease in cattle and water buffalo, spread mainly by biting insects. While it poses no risk to humans, LSD can cause severe economic losses through reduced milk production, trade restrictions, and cattle deaths. Learn about its symptoms, prevention, and control measures.

Once a day feeding in calves

Once-a-day (OAD) milk feeding is not just a labour-saving method suitable for healthy calves from 28 days of age, this system also promotes earlier rumen development, prepares calves for weaning and makes more time for calf husbandry.

Don’t let flies compromise your youngstock health

Flies can cause serious stress, disease, and productivity loss in young calves during the summer months. This guide covers effective fly control for calves using hygiene, traps, and natural solutions like garlic supplementation to help protect your youngstock and maintain animal health.

Preventing bacteria contaminating colostrum and transition milk produced in robotic milking systems

Maintaining colostrum hygiene in robotic milking systems is vital for calf health and immune development. This article explores the risks of bacterial contamination, highlights research findings, and offers best practices for collecting and storing colostrum and transition milk in automated dairy operations.

Management Considerations for Bluetongue Movement Restrictions

Managing calves during Bluetongue movement restrictions requires strict hygiene, proper housing, and strong colostrum protocols. Learn how to protect your herd under movement restrictions.

Bluetongue: What to look out for in Calves

Bluetongue can be passed to the unborn fetus from an infected pregnant cow. Calves are typically born small and weak, blind or deformed. Death of calves can occur after a few days of birth. While the clinical signs are more severe in sheep, cattle can present signs of the disease. The main clinical signs of […]

Bluetongue: What you need to know

Bluetongue can be passed to the unborn fetus from an infected pregnant cow. Calves are typically born small and weak, blind or deformed. Death of calves can occur after a few days of birth. While the clinical signs are more severe in sheep, cattle can present signs of the disease. The main clinical signs of […]

Amino Acids in Calf Milk Replacer

Calf nutrition goes beyond crude protein levels. This article explains why amino acid balance, milk replacer ingredients, and processing methods are key to healthy growth. Learn how to choose a high-quality calf milk replacer that boosts early development and long-term dairy herd performance.