manageruser, Author at Calf Chat

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.

Top tips for minimising risk of cold stress in calves

Young calves can rapidly lose heat and this puts them at high risk of cold stress in their first month. A calf’s thermoneutral zone from birth to four weeks of age is between 10°C and 25°C, illustrated in Chart 1, adapted from Davis and Drackley (1998) When temperatures go below the calf’s lower critical limit, […]

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.

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.

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.

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.

Updates on calf passive immune status and colostrum management

Will your calving pen protect the newborn calf from disease?

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

Be properly prepared to prevent poor performance at calving

Top tips for minimising risk of cold stress in calves

Careful collection of colostrum and transition milk is critical for calf health

The developing microbiome and calf health

Respiratory disease is the top cause of mortality in 1 to 5-month-old calves

Top Tips for colostrum- a video guide.

Gastrointestinal disease is the top cause of mortality in neonatal calves