manageruser, Author at Calf Chat

Feeding calf milk replacer cuts dairy farm’s GHG emissions and rearing costs

Feeding heifer replacements calf milk replacer (CMR) instead of cow’s milk is allowing a Warwickshire dairy farm to capture environmental and financial wins.

How dairy farmers can unlock the financial potential of beef calves

As market values soar, it has never been a better time to reap the financial rewards of rearing the best calves possible.

Survey demonstrates calf rearers recognise value of transition milk

Growing numbers of farmers are understanding the value of transition milk to the health and future potential of their calves. A recent survey by Bonanza Calf Nutrition found that more than three quarters of the farmers who responded – 94 out of 123 participants – fed transition milk, the highly nutritious and immune-boosting milk produced […]

How prepared are your calves for grazing grass?

A calf that underperforms during its first grazing season is likely to fall short on key performance indicators. What can farmers do [...]

Is your calf housing fit for purpose?

Calf housing can be a new build, an older shed or an adapted building. While designs may differ in structure, the fundamentals should remain the same to support calf health and development. Rearers must provide the right environment from day one. Without it, calves will struggle to thrive. Floor space Floor space is often overlooked […]

Factors affecting IgG absorption in the baby calf aside from colostrum

Excellent colostrum management is key when it comes to providing the baby calf with its first source of immunity. But what else can impact the immune status of baby calves? A study conducted by Jones et al. (2004) found the apparent efficiency of IgG absorption ranged from less than 10% to greater than 25% in […]

Updates on calf passive immune status and colostrum management

Targets for serum IgG concentrations in calves at 24 hours old have been increased in an attempt to combat the high morbidity and mortality levels that still persist in rearing systems. It had been thought that achieving 10g/litre IgG in calf blood serum at 24 hours of age was adequate while less than 10 g/litre […]

Will your calving pen protect the newborn calf from disease?

The calving area is the newborn calf’s first connection with the outside world therefore minimising its risk of contact with pathogens before the immune system has been fortified with colostrum must be a priority. During the birthing process, the calf is exposed to an array of microbes, some of which are provided by the cow […]

Good management of cows in the dry period will reap benefits for their calves

Effective dry cow management is vital for cow and calf health. Balanced nutrition, correct minerals, low stress housing and heat control support immunity, colostrum quality and calving ease. Research shows poor management reduces calf immunity, growth and health.

Be properly prepared to prevent poor performance at calving

Thorough calving preparation, from dry cow nutrition to clean facilities and clear calf protocols, reduces stress, improves calf health and supports better performance at calving.